A federal judge issued an order prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests inside immigration courts and surrounding areas.
The ruling aims to ensure a secure environment for immigration proceedings. By limiting the ability of agents to detain individuals during hearings, the court intends to alleviate the fear of detention and protect the safety of asylum seekers and other migrants.
Reports on the ruling, which surfaced in May 2026, indicate a conflict regarding the geographic scope of the order. Some reports said the prohibition applies to three [1] immigration court buildings in New York, including the areas immediately surrounding those facilities. Other reports said the ruling applies to immigration proceedings in Nevada.
The order addresses the vulnerability of migrants who must appear in court to resolve their legal status. By creating a protected zone, the court seeks to prevent the apprehension of individuals who are actively participating in the legal process to determine their right to remain in the U.S.
Legal representatives for migrants said that the presence of enforcement agents in court buildings often deters individuals from attending their hearings. This ruling establishes a boundary for ICE operations, though the exact limits of the "surrounding areas" mentioned in the order remain a point of focus for legal observers.
ICE has not provided a public statement regarding the specific implementation of these restrictions across the disputed jurisdictions.
“A federal judge issued an order prohibiting ICE agents from making arrests inside immigration courts”
This ruling creates a legal sanctuary for migrants during their court appearances, potentially increasing attendance at hearings by reducing the risk of immediate detention. However, the contradictory reporting on whether the order applies to New York or Nevada suggests a fragmented legal landscape where protections may vary significantly by state or specific facility.
