Courthouse Arrests Could Be Banned

Legislation that would stop the practice was introduced by Democratic lawmakers from New York on Monday. It would forbid Department of Homeland Security agents from holding anyone who shows up at an immigration court to attend or participate in a hearing, unless they have a judicial warrant. With some exceptions, the legislation would also limit the arrests of individuals who arrive at or depart from Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-ins.

Any arrest made during a check-in would need the written consent of a senior supervisory official stating its legal basis, according to the law that was tabled on Monday. The Homeland Security inspector general would need to be notified of the arrest within 30 days.

Additionally, the bill would mandate that federal regulators report to Congress on the department’s compliance. The number of arrests and attempted arrests, the reasons behind them, the actions the agency took to guarantee compliance, and any advice or training given to its staff would all be included in the report.

Source: The New York Times