Federal Challenge to New York's Immigration Policy Fails
A United States district judge has thrown out a legal challenge from the Trump administration that contested New York state policies preventing immigration officials from making arrests at local courthouses. The ruling, delivered on Monday, 18th November 2025, represents a significant victory for state-level immigration policies and underscores the constitutional limits of federal power.
The Legal Battle Over Courthouse Arrests
U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino granted New York's motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice. The federal government's case was one of several legal actions initiated by the Republican administration targeting state and local immigration enforcement policies.
The lawsuit specifically challenged the Protect Our Courts Act, a 2020 state law that prohibits federal immigration agents from arresting individuals at New York courthouses. The law mandates that agents must possess a warrant signed by a judge to make an arrest on courthouse premises. This legislation was passed in direct response to enforcement actions that occurred at courthouses during President Donald Trump's first term.
Constitutional Grounds for Dismissal
In its legal argument, the Department of Justice contended that the New York law, along with two related executive orders, was unconstitutional because it obstructed federal immigration authorities. However, Judge D'Agostino found this argument lacked merit.
The judge's ruling firmly stated that New York's decision not to assist in enforcing civil immigration law is protected by the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution. This amendment establishes boundaries on the powers of the federal government concerning state cooperation.
"Fundamentally, the United States fails to identify any federal law mandating that state and local officials generally assist or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Nor could it," Judge D'Agostino wrote in the decision. She emphasised that "the Tenth Amendment prohibits Congress from conscripting state and local officials and resources to assist with federal regulatory schemes, like immigration enforcement."
Reactions and Potential Next Steps
Following the ruling, New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat whose office defended the state's position, issued a statement celebrating the outcome. She declared she was fighting for the "dignity and rights of immigrant communities."
"Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear," James stated. "This ruling ensures that anyone can use New York’s state courts without being targeted by federal authorities."
As of Tuesday, the Justice Department had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the ruling, including whether it intends to file an appeal. The dismissal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal and political conflict between federal immigration policy and state-level sanctuary laws.
