ICE entered an Oakland courthouse. Court officials didnt know agents were in the building

On September 15, ICE agents arrested a man in handcuffs inside the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California, marking the first such incident in Alameda County. The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders, including California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, who argue that it undermines the integrity of the justice system by deterring victims and witnesses from participating in court proceedings. Other California counties have experienced similar arrests, prompting a broader discussion about the legality and ethics of ICE's courthouse operations. Despite California law prohibiting immigration enforcement in courthouses, ICE continues to conduct arrests, asserting that courthouses provide a safe environment for their agents.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stated they did not coordinate with ICE during the arrest and emphasized their commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals. The public defender’s office, representing the arrested man, condemned the action as detrimental to the trust in the justice system. As local leaders seek to address the implications of this incident, the challenge remains to balance immigration enforcement with the rights of individuals involved in the judicial system. The ongoing tension highlights the complexities of federal and state law interactions in sensitive areas like courthouses.