Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has condemned recent courthouse arrests by federal immigration officers, saying the practice erodes trust in law enforcement and makes communities less safe. His remarks follow the detention of two men at the Stamford courthouse earlier this month, an incident that drew sharp criticism from immigrant advocates.
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Governor Pushes Back on DHS Tactics
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Lamont said immigration arrests inside state courthouses disrupt the justice system and create fear among residents. “These measures make it harder for prosecutors, public defenders, police, and judges to do their jobs,” he wrote. “They also discourage witnesses, victims, and families from reporting crimes or appearing in court.”
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Stamford Incident Sparks Outrage
The governor’s comments came after witnesses reported seeing a group of five or six immigration officers detain two men inside a courthouse bathroom on Aug. 11. The arrests triggered protests from local advocates, who accused the Department of Homeland Security of targeting immigrant communities in defiance of due process protections.
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Connecticut Rejects ‘Sanctuary State’ Label
Lamont also dismissed the Trump administration’s decision to place Connecticut on a list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, calling the designation “unfounded.” He pointed to a 2017 Department of Justice certification confirming that Connecticut laws complied with federal requirements to communicate with immigration authorities. “That certification was correct when the DOJ issued it, and Connecticut laws and practices remain in compliance,” he wrote.
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State Law Limits, But Does Not Block ICE
Connecticut’s Trust Act restricts state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement but does not prohibit federal agents from operating in courthouses and other public spaces. Advocacy groups, however, say they have observed ICE activity around the Stamford court since early July, raising concerns of intimidation.
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Federal Policy Shift Fuels Conflict
Under Trump’s revised guidelines, released in January, ICE officers are allowed to conduct arrests in courthouses when they believe a target is present, reversing a previous federal directive that had prohibited enforcement in sensitive locations. Lamont argued that the new approach “undermines legitimate law enforcement” and is not necessary to ensure public safety.