NYCLU Slams DOJ Lawsuit Against New York’s Protect Our Courts Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice is suing New York State over its Protect Our Courts Act — a law that the NYCLU and partners designed to ensure that all New Yorkers can access courthouses and seek justice without fear of being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) issued the following statement, attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“The Trump administration’s attack on the Protect Our Courts Act is a blatant assault on justice that would turn New York’s courthouses into traps. 

“Our legal system cannot function when people are too scared to step through courthouse doors. Without the Protect Our Courts Act, immigrant New Yorkers may not defend themselves against charges, avoid seeking protective orders, miss custody hearings, and stop fighting unlawful wage theft or eviction. No one is better off when justice is denied. 

“This latest attempt by the Trump administration to meddle in our laws would push immigrant communities further into the shadows, throw due process out the window, and weaken trust in our justice system — making everyone less safe. It sends a dangerous message: that ICE can and should operate wherever it wants, regardless of the human cost.

“Immigrants are essential to New York’s culture, economy, and communities. They deserve to have their day in court and equal access to justice.”

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