Calling it a ‘trap,’ Washington sues to stop ICE from arresting people at courthouses
Since 2017, ICE and Border Patrol have arrested hundreds of immigrants in approximately 20 counties across Washington state.
They could show up to court for any number of reasons: to pay a traffic ticket, serve as a witness or seek a protection order.
Increasingly, however, immigrants have been reluctant to visit local courthouses because they fear the presence of federal immigration officials and, consequently, a possible arrest.
Now, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, in what is the 53rd lawsuit against the Trump administration, is seeking to bar federal immigration officials from making arrests at courthouses. Ferguson’s office wants immigrants to feel safe enough to access the justice system.