US Judge Blocks ICE Arrests at New York Immigration Courts

A federal judge in New York blocked ICE agents from making arrests inside or near immigration courts in Manhattan on Monday [1, 2].

This ruling creates a protected zone for immigrants attending legal proceedings, addressing long-standing concerns from advocacy groups that court appearances were being used as traps for detentions [1, 2].

The order was issued May 19, 2026 [1, 2]. It specifically prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting arrests within the premises of the Manhattan immigration courts, or in the immediate vicinity [1, 2]. The judge said the decision aims to ensure that individuals can attend their mandatory hearings without the fear of immediate deportation or detention upon arrival [1, 2].

Advocacy groups had previously raised alarms regarding the practice of ICE agents waiting for individuals to appear for their court dates to execute arrests [1, 2]. By restricting these actions, the court said it intends to protect the integrity of the legal process, and the safety of those seeking relief from immigration authorities [1, 2].

The legal restriction is geographically limited. The order applies only to New York ^[1]. It does not extend to other jurisdictions or different types of federal facilities outside the specified Manhattan court areas ^[1].

Federal agents must now adhere to these boundaries when operating in the vicinity of the Manhattan courts. Failure to comply with the judicial order could lead to further legal challenges from the advocacy groups that prompted the ruling [1, 2].