COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas issued two new rules limiting immigration enforcement to protect the court’s procedures.

The court’s general division issued two new rules Friday prohibiting immigration arrests within the courthouse grounds and courtrooms. The court said these rules are designed to protect due process and access to justice for victims, witnesses and defendants.

“Courts have a unique Constitutional responsibility to protect due process and access to
justice on behalf of the entire public,” the courts announced. “That mission is jeopardized when victims, witnesses and defendants are afraid to come to the courthouse to testify and participate in ongoing cases, fearing civil arrest and deportation from courthouse grounds.”

The first rule, Local Rule 111, prohibits civil arrests without a judicial warrant on courthouse grounds. The court said Ohio law has barred civil arrests of plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses coming to and from court, but Local Rule 111 clarifies they are also not permitted on courthouse property.

The second, Local Rule 112, prohibits arrests by judicial warrant within courtrooms and bans court personnel from asking about an individual’s immigration status or assisting immigration enforcement. These rules are not applicable when there is written approval from a judge or when it is necessary for official court proceedings.

The rules come as President Donald Trump cracks down on immigration nationally. Columbus leaders have said they will comply with federal requirements but will not compromise the city’s resources or mission to be welcoming in doing so. Federal agencies continue immigration detainments, however, charging and arresting at least four people in central Ohio with immigration violations this week alone.

Both rules were enacted on an interim emergency basis, the court said, so they will be offered for traditional notice and comment within 90 days.