The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against New York state for its law restricting federal immigration enforcement in state courthouses. The lawsuit challenges a New York state law that prevents immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near courthouses, claiming that it obstructs federal immigration enforcement where arrests can be safely made. The Justice Department argues that New York’s law violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which gives precedence to federal law over state law.

This legal action follows increased immigration enforcement by the administration, sparking protests across the country. Attorney General Pam Bondi attributed violence in California to so-called “sanctuary city policies” and emphasized the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.

State officials defend the law, stating that federal agents in local courthouses make communities unsafe and hinder access to justice. The law, authored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, does not apply to federal or immigration courts but allows for arrests with valid judicial warrants. The administration’s challenge to the law is seen as an attack on the rule of law in New York.

The lawsuit also addresses federal agents targeting individuals in sensitive areas, overturning previous guidelines that restricted enforcement in places like schools and hospitals. The legal battle between the Trump administration and New York state underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement policies and the balance between federal and state laws.