OH Judges Ban ICE arrests at Courthouse

An Increase in Immigration Enforcement at the Franklin County Courthouse, has prompted the Common Pleas Court Judges to issue New Rules barring Arrests within the Courthouse. On Friday, the 17 Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judges announced Two Local Rules, the Regulations Governing how Operations at the Courthouse are Handled, related to the Activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Operations.

The Judges said in a Release that there has been Increased Activity within the Courthouse Grounds since Trump (R) took Office in January.

"Courts have a unique Constitutional responsibility to protect due process and access to justice on behalf of the entire public. That mission is jeopardized when victims, witnesses and defendants are afraid to come to the courthouse to testify and participate in ongoing cases, fearing civil arrest and deportation," the Judges said in a Release. "That jeopardy affects the fairness of trials and other court proceedings for citizens and non-citizens alike."

The Two Rules Bar any Civil Arrests without a Judicial Warrant Signed by a judge, within the Courthouse Grounds and Prohibit Arrests, even if there is a Judicial Warrant, within Courtrooms unless there has been Written Approval from a Franklin County Judge.

The Rules passed on Friday, also say the Rules are intended for People having Business at the Courthouse and are "not intended to be a safe haven to avoid civil arrests for the public at large." Arrests related to Criminal Charges are still Permitted. The Rules Prohibit Court Personnel from Asking about a Person's Immigration Status, providing Information to Immigration Agencies or Assisting in Immigration Eenforcement, during their Work at the Courthouse unless required by Law or Deemed necessary to Perform their Duties.

The Ohio Revised Code already Bars Civil Arrest, or Arrests for Non-Criminal Actions, of Plaintiffs, Defendants, and Witnesses who Come To or Leave the Court. The Local Rules offer Clarification about the Courthouse Grounds. The Courthouse Grounds are Defined as "all contiguous public entryways, driveways, sidewalks and parking areas intended to serve the courthouse."

The Rules were Passed on an Emergency Basis, but will be Offered for Public Notice and Comment within 90 days. Sixteen of the 17 Common Pleas Court Judges are Democrats.










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