On June 5th we were proud to stand with a NYS coalition in support of the Protect Our Courts Act, a first-of-its-kind state legislation that seeks to protect immigrant communities from immigration enforcement at courthouses. ICE enforcement in NYS courthouses has a chilling effect and denies vulnerable victims and individuals access to justice by deterring them from contacting authorities and accessing courts when needed, such as in the event of a hate crime. The Protect Our Courts Act (A11013) would ensure equal access to our state courthouses, regardless of immigration status. This legislation would represent a significant step in ensuring that all community members, regardless of immigration status, can access the justice system without fear of deportation. 

Thank you Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages for introducing this bill and to our coalition partners Immigrant Defense Project, The Legal Aid Society, Latino Justice, The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, Make the Road New York, Safe Horizon, 32BJ SEIU, Empire Justice Center, Prisoners Legal Services of New York, The New York Immigration Coalition, and those who came out to support, NYC Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Carmen de la Rosa, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.