Federal judge bans most ICE arrests in New York immigration courts

A New York judge says federal agents can no longer make arrests without exceptional circumstances in and around three Manhattan buildings where immigration proceedings occur.

Federal Judge P. Kevin Castel ruled Monday, ending a practice that enabled numerous arrests of individuals showing up for immigration proceedings.

He noted that federal agents still can detain individuals away from immigration courts and can make arrests at immigration courthouses when there are serious threats to public safety.

The decision was praised by Amy Belsher, director of Immigrants’ Rights Litigation at the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Messages seeking comment from the Department of Homeland Security have not been returned.

A spokesperson for government lawyers has declined comment.