"Shielding Migrant Rights: New York Lawmakers Push for Protections at Immigration Courthouses"
A new bill introduced by lawmakers from New York and California aims to curb mass arrests of migrants at federal immigration courthouses, where individuals are attending court proceedings as part of their immigration cases. The measure, known as the Immigration Due Process Protection Act, seeks to add a crucial layer of oversight to an increasingly contentious practice that has drawn widespread criticism.
Proponents argue that the sweeping arrests without judicial warrants unfairly penalize migrants who are exercising their right to due process and asylum. According to Rep. Dan Goldman, "over the past year, we have shockingly and repeatedly witnessed [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and DHS officers detain non-violent, non-criminal immigrants immediately following mandatory court appearances – in many cases even while their case remains active and viable." The bill would bar such arrests unless there is an imminent threat to life or public safety.
Critics, however, argue that the proposal would hinder law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin countered that allowing officers to make arrests at courthouses "is common sense," as it conserves resources and ensures officer safety.
A recent federal judge upheld a New York state law banning ICE arrests at state and local courthouses, dismissing a Trump administration lawsuit challenging the law. The bill's passage in Congress would require unlikely Republican backing to overcome the GOP-led House of Representatives' opposition.
The measure also restricts arrests at ICE check-ins, requiring written authorization from senior supervisors and reporting to the DHS inspector general within 30 days. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on DHS compliance with the restrictions from the inspector general.
A new bill introduced by lawmakers from New York and California aims to curb mass arrests of migrants at federal immigration courthouses, where individuals are attending court proceedings as part of their immigration cases. The measure, known as the Immigration Due Process Protection Act, seeks to add a crucial layer of oversight to an increasingly contentious practice that has drawn widespread criticism.
Proponents argue that the sweeping arrests without judicial warrants unfairly penalize migrants who are exercising their right to due process and asylum. According to Rep. Dan Goldman, "over the past year, we have shockingly and repeatedly witnessed [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and DHS officers detain non-violent, non-criminal immigrants immediately following mandatory court appearances – in many cases even while their case remains active and viable." The bill would bar such arrests unless there is an imminent threat to life or public safety.
Critics, however, argue that the proposal would hinder law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin countered that allowing officers to make arrests at courthouses "is common sense," as it conserves resources and ensures officer safety.
A recent federal judge upheld a New York state law banning ICE arrests at state and local courthouses, dismissing a Trump administration lawsuit challenging the law. The bill's passage in Congress would require unlikely Republican backing to overcome the GOP-led House of Representatives' opposition.
The measure also restricts arrests at ICE check-ins, requiring written authorization from senior supervisors and reporting to the DHS inspector general within 30 days. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on DHS compliance with the restrictions from the inspector general.
I'm literally shaking just thinking about this new bill 
! I mean, can u imagine being in the shoes of those migrants, showing up to court and BAM, they get taken away without even a warrant 
?! It's so wrong! We need more people like Rep. Dan Goldman speaking out against these injustices 
.
... I think she's just trying to downplay how messed up this situation is 
. Like, how can you prioritize officer safety over human lives? 
but come on, this bill is a GAME CHANGER 
! It's about time we start holding our immigration system accountable and treating everyone with dignity 
. Let's get this passed in Congress already! 
. The idea that they can make arrests unless there's an imminent threat is like, finally some common sense being applied 
. It's all about protecting human rights and making sure we're not treating people like criminals just because they're trying to seek a better life. Fingers crossed this bill passes 
!
. Some1 needs 2 speak up 4 these ppl who r just tryna navigate the system and get their life 2gthr 
The whole "common sense" argument from DHS is a joke 
. We can't just sweep human rights under the rug because it's convenient for law enforcement. I mean, have you seen the stats on ICE arrests? Like, what even is being "non-violent and non-criminal"? 
It's not like we're making excuses for people to commit crimes, but at least we should be having a rational conversation about how we can protect everyone without torturing migrants 
.
Wouldn't you want people to be safe? 
Still, this just feels like a step in the right direction. Maybe we can even get more states on board with banning these arrests? 