Federal officials state that the courthouse rule is an attempt to regulate federal authorities.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio, after a new rule was instituted to prevent federal officials from arresting aliens at or near the courthouse. The rule prohibits the detention of aliens in the vicinity of the courthouse, with criminal and civil liabilities for violations. The Justice Department stated that the rule is an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government and threatens the safety and effectiveness of federal operations.
“This type of rule obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates evasion of federal law by dangerous criminal aliens, despite Congress’s direction that federal agents detain and remove them,“ Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate stated. “Throughout the country, and including in this courthouse specifically, federal agents have routinely and safely conducted arrests. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting that important federal prerogative.”
This case follows a series of other lawsuits across the U.S. filed by the Justice Department to address state or local policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Assistant Attorney General Shumate as he seeks to ensure that federal agents may fulfill their statutory law enforcement duties.
- For Attorney General Blanche as he oversees the Justice Department and its cases.
- For members of the Franklin County Municipal Court to be prudent in their response to the lawsuit.
Sources: Department of Justice
