N.J. chief justice seeks halt to courthouse immigration arrests
New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner is pictured in Trenton, N.J., in this Wednesday, May 6, 2015 photograph (Mel Evans/AP Photo)
Another high-ranking judge is asking the Trump administration to avoid immigration arrests at state courthouses.
New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner noted in a letter dated Wednesday to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly that federal immigration officials recently arrested two people in New Jersey courthouses. Rabner said such arrests could cause witnesses to stay silent or domestic abuse victims to avoid court.
Rabner asked Kelly to add courthouses to a list of sensitive locations — including houses of worship and schools — recognized by immigration officials.
Rabner didn’t include more details on the arrests. A message left with Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasn’t immediately returned.
The letter comes after California’s chief justice issued a similar request last month. Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have defended the practice.
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