Sacramento, CA — California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed his 100th lawsuit against the Trump administration Thursday, challenging immigration enforcement operations at state courthouses that California says are frightening witnesses, crime victims and others away from the justice system.
The lawsuit targets a Department of Homeland Security policy authorizing civil immigration arrests in and around courthouses. California says ICE courthouse arrests increased more than 550% during the year following the policy change and have been documented in at least 22 counties.
Bonta argues that people should be able to report crimes, testify, seek restraining orders or resolve legal disputes without fearing immigration arrest simply for entering a courthouse. The state contends that the policy interferes with California’s ability to operate its courts and protect public safety.
A federal court vacated ICE’s written courthouse directive in June, but California says arrests have continued. State records cited in the lawsuit show dozens of courthouse-related enforcement incidents during June and July alone.
The Trump administration argues that federal immigration law supersedes state efforts to restrict ICE operations and has dismissed Bonta’s litigation campaign as politically motivated.
California’s lawsuit alleges the policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the 10th Amendment, while also invoking a longstanding common-law protection against civil arrests at courthouses.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
