Today marks a critical win for immigrant New Yorkers.

The Protect Our Courts Act (POCA) has just been signed into law. This legislation, which is a result of our organizing, makes it unlawful for any law enforcement officer, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to make an arrest in or near state courthouses.

For years ICE has intimidated immigrant communities by conducting arrests in state courthouses, and using abusive tactics. They have aggressively lurked at or around courthouses, arresting immigrants who are showing up for their court appearances. This instilled deep fear in immigrant communities, deterred community members from trying to access the legal system and undermined due process across the state.

POCA is now law in New York, and will help ensure equal access to courts for ALL New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. This is a critical step towards decriminalizing our communities.

Immigration enforcement is on the rise again and ensuring safe access to our justice system is absolutely critical. Will you donate to support our continued efforts to keep immigrant New Yorkers safe?

As ICE intimidated immigrant New Yorkers in our state’s courts, we fought alongside community advocates and immigrants  We thank lead bill sponsors, Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, the Immigrant Defense Project, and the ICE Out of Courts coalition for all their work to pass this legislation.

Donate today to continue the fight.

¡Sí se pudo!