Witness testimony described detention facilities used for short-term holds as inhumane, with reports of 12-hour limits violated and basic accommodations lacking.

A federal judge in California issued a 71-page ruling banning ICE arrests inside immigration courts nationwide, finding the practice arbitrary, capricious, and inconsistent with concerns about hearing attendance.

The story is developing and will be updated with new details as they emerge.

ICE had been detaining migrants in courthouse hallways shortly after hearings, raising concerns about due process and the punitive atmosphere for those complying with court procedures.

Civil rights advocates and DHS offered reactions that reflect a clash between protecting civil rights and immigration enforcement goals.

Judge Pitts concluded the Trump administration failed to provide reasoned explanations for rescinding prior policies, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

The case underscores ongoing political and legal battles over immigration enforcement practices and courthouse protections for noncitizens awaiting hearings.

This decision marks the second court setback to courthouse arrests, following an earlier injunction in New York in May 2026.

The ruling emphasizes that agencies must justify their actions and consider impacts on access to justice, reinforcing transparency under federal law.

Critics argue courthouse arrests disrupt proceedings and can traumatize those affected, undermining due process.

The decision shifts the balance away from aggressive courthouse enforcement, potentially limiting ICE’s toolkit at courthouses.

Supporters, including civil rights advocates, hailed the ruling as making courthouses refuges for justice rather than hunting grounds for enforcement.