Justice Department sues Ohio court over rule blocking ICE courthouse arrests
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a Franklin County Municipal Court rule that bars civil arrests at the courthouse without a judicial warrant, arguing it hinders ICE operations.
On Tuesday, the Justice Department launched a lawsuit against a Franklin County Municipal Court in Ohio, contesting a newly adopted rule that forbids civil arrests at the courthouse without a judicial warrant. The department argues the ordinance clashes with federal immigration statutes that allow ICE agents to make arrests using administrative warrants or, in some circumstances, without any warrant. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated that the local rule obstructs federal law enforcement and helps dangerous criminal aliens avoid detention, contrary to congressional intent.
He emphasized that federal agents have routinely and safely performed courthouse arrests across the country. The DOJ’s filing aims to invalidate the municipal regulation and restore ICE’s ability to conduct arrests at that location. The case is ongoing and developments are expected.
Why it matters
The suit could reshape how federal immigration agents conduct arrests at courthouses nationwide.
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