On Wednesday, July 22nd, the New York State Senate passed a bill to ban ICE agents from making arrests in New York’s courthouses.

The bill, known as The Protect Our Courts Act, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, protects New Yorkers from civil arrests while going to court and conducting or returning from a court proceeding.

“ICE arrests in or around courthouses in New York have spiked by 1,700% since Donald Trump took office. The Protect Our Courts Act will get ICE out of our courthouses and make our justice system more just,” said Senator Hoylman. “It will allow all New Yorkers to attend judicial proceedings, whether as a litigant, witness or family member.”

Last September, New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez sued the federal government over the legality of ICE arresting immigrants in or around state courthouses. This June, a U.S. District Judge sided with AG James and DA Gonzalez to end ICE arrests in courthouses.

This verdict along with the Protect Our Courts Act will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the justice system without fear of immigration consequences.

The bill will be delivered to Governor Cuomo and must be signed by him in order for it to become law.

Sign these petitions demanding an end to ICE’s harmful practices and abuses.

Sign this petition to show your Support for the Protect Our Courts Act!

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