Connecticut Courts Ban Warrantless ICE Courthouse Arrests, Prohibit Masks

Connecticut’s Judicial Branch issued new rules requiring a warrant for arrests in public areas of state courthouses and barring masked law enforcement inside, responding to reports of ICE detentions without warrants and agents not identifying themselves. Chief Justice Raheem L. Mullins announced the policy alongside Gov. Ned Lamont and Rep. Steven Stafstrom, who signaled possible legislation to codify it. GOP leaders criticized the move over enforcement and safety concerns. The rules apply to state courts; federal district courts in Connecticut have separate limitations on arrests inside their facilities.