District attorneys for two Massachusetts counties are joining with activist groups to sue the federal government to stop immigration agents from making arrests at courthouses in the state.
“Standing by silently as immigration officials under the explicit direction of the President of the United States, strip our justice system of its ability to function simply is not an option,” Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said at a press conference.
Apparently, Rollins believes limiting the ability of immigration law enforcement officers to do their duty will help the justice system function. And she’s not alone.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan also has signed on for the lawsuit aimed at keeping immigrations officials out of Bay state courthouses.
The Boston Herald reports, the lawsuit follows the indictment of a Newton judge on charges of conspiring with a court officer to help an illegal immigrant escape out the basement door of Newton District Court last spring - but this suit is unrelated.
“However, that case itself, demonstrates what the need for what we seek here today and that is a clear and formal ruling from the court,” Ryan said.