Amy Belsher

U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel has issued a significant ruling prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests in or around three federal courthouses in lower Manhattan. This decision, effective immediately, halts a practice that began under the Trump administration, which allowed for arrests within these sensitive locations. The ban applies unless exceptional circumstances are present, aiming to prevent confrontations and ensure the safety of individuals attending immigration proceedings. Judge Castel's order marks a departure from previous enforcement tactics and is seen as a major development in immigration court procedures in New York City. The ruling is relevant as it directly impacts the operations of ICE and the accessibility of immigration courts for those seeking legal processes.