HIRC files amicus brief on courthouse arrests

On October 15th, the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (HIRC) and Ropes & Gray LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Justice at Work in support of the motion to dismiss the obstruction of justice charges against District Court Judge Shelley Joseph. Judge Joseph was indicted after she allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the courthouse. The brief highlights how courthouse arrests can limit noncitizens access to justice, stating “Noncitizens as well as citizens require access to the courthouse to seek protection, and defend themselves and their rights. The numbers suggest that until recently, they felt safe doing so. The courthouse should continue to be an inviting place for all individuals rather than an opportunity for ICE to target the most vulnerable: those who have come to seek justice.”

You can read the full brief here.