California sues ICE to block immigration arrests inside state courthouses
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit on Thursday in a Los Angeles federal court seeking to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting civil immigration arrests inside the state’s courthouses. The complaint says the practice scares plaintiffs, victims and witnesses, undermining the ability of the courts to function.
State claims ICE is overreaching
Bonta argues that ICE leadership recently ordered agents nationwide to make up to 3,000 immigration arrests each day, with a goal of 19,000 arrests per week. A specific directive called “Operation Safe California” allegedly told officers to target anyone for a 45‑day surge from San Diego to San Francisco, lasting through November.
- 1A federal judge issues an injunction
- 2ICE stops all immigration arrests at California courthouses
- 3Court proceedings resume without disruption
- 4Victims of domestic violence feel safer attending court
Source: Courthouse News Service
Legal basis of the lawsuit
The state contends the directive is “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act because it failed to consider the chilling effect on access to justice. California also says ICE violated the 10th Amendment by interfering with the state’s sovereign power to run its courts.
Impact on everyday people
According to the complaint, immigration arrests at courthouses have disrupted proceedings, delayed cases and, in some instances, caused them to be abandoned. Survivors of domestic or family violence report feeling unsafe appearing in court. If the court grants the injunction, ICE would be barred from making any further immigration arrests at California courthouses.
What you can do
Anyone who has a court appearance in California should be aware that ICE enforcement actions could be halted if the lawsuit succeeds. Keep records of any ICE encounters at court and stay informed about the case’s progress. While the Justice Department has declined to comment, affected individuals may want to monitor court filings for updates.
Consulting an attorney can help you understand how this lawsuit might affect your specific situation, especially if you are involved in immigration or family‑law matters that require court attendance.
What this means: our conclusions
- Good newsPotential restoration of safe court access
If a judge issues an injunction, people may feel more confident attending court without fear of immigration arrest.
- RiskRisk of continued disruption
Until the lawsuit is resolved, ICE arrests could still interrupt hearings and delay justice for many.
- What to watchWatch for court ruling
The outcome will hinge on whether the judge finds ICE’s policy arbitrary under the APA and a 10th Amendment violation.
- ContextImplications for other states
A successful suit could encourage similar challenges in states facing ICE courthouse enforcement.
- What to doAction step: document encounters
Anyone who experiences an ICE arrest at a courthouse should keep detailed records and consider legal counsel.
| Party | Claim |
|---|---|
| California (Attorney General) | ICE arrests at courthouses violate APA and 10th Amendment |
| ICE/Justice Department | No comment; policy allegedly targets 3,000 daily arrests |
Source: Courthouse News Service
This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 16, 2026.
Source: Courthouse News Service
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