ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently reaffirmed the state’s commitment to uphold its laws while ensuring respect for individuals navigating the judicial process. Hochul’s remarks come in response to a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Protect Our Courts Act, a law designed to safeguard individuals from civil arrests related to immigration enforcement while attending court.
A spokesperson for the governor indicated that her office is currently assessing the litigation but labeled it a misuse of federal resources. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that victims and witnesses can utilize the court system without fear. “There is no sanctuary in New York for individuals who commit crimes. The state collaborates with federal authorities to remove convicted criminals,” the spokesperson stated.
The Protect Our Courts Act, enacted in December 2020 under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, aims to protect individuals from warrantless civil arrests at court-related events. However, it explicitly excludes federal and immigration courts from its provisions. The legislation was framed as a response to policies from the previous administration that disrupted judicial proceedings.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who sponsored the legislation, argued at its introduction that it represented a crucial pushback against what he viewed as harmful immigration practices. He condemned the recent lawsuit, calling it baseless and a continuation of the Trump administration’s efforts to erode the legal protections in New York. Hoylman-Sigal highlighted that the law allows for the arrest of individuals only if ICE possesses legitimate judicial warrants.
Criticism of the lawsuit has been echoed by various legal and civil rights organizations, including the Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman described the effort to challenge the Protect Our Courts Act as an attack on justice that could jeopardize immigrant communities and undermine trust in the justice system. “This attempt would turn courthouses into danger zones for immigrants, threatening due process and public safety,” she said.
The Office of Court Administration has chosen not to comment publicly on the ongoing litigation. As this situation unfolds, the conflict highlights a broader debate about local laws balancing cooperation with federal authorities and the protection of vulnerable populations in the community.
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