safety
Judge bars immigration arrests at US courthouses in a setback for Trump
By Elliot Spagat, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
A judge on Tuesday barred the federal government from making arrests at immigration courts, ordering an end to a practice that took hold shortly after President Donald Trump took office last year.The Trump administration's reversal of long-standing policy against arrests at immigration court resu...
Key takeaway “For 80 years, Congress has commanded federal agencies to think before they act,” wrote Pitts, referring to the Administrative Procedure Act, a 1946 law that requires federal agencies to justify its actions.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The ruling's impact will be felt in San Antonio , where immigration courts handle a significant number of cases. For years, the city's immigrant community has expressed concerns about the safety of attending court hearings, fearing arrest and deportation. This decision may alleviate some of those fears, allowing individuals to participate in the immigration process without intimidation. The ruling also underscores the importance of the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires federal agencies to provide sound reasons for their actions. In San Antonio, where the immigrant population is sizable, the need for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement is crucial. As the city's residents navigate the complexities of the immigration system, they can now expect a more predictable and fair process, free from the fear of arbitrary arrests at courthouses. The local immigrant community will be watching to see how federal authorities comply with the judge's order.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A judge on Tuesday barred the federal government from making arrests at immigration courts, ordering an end to a practice that took hold shortly after President Donald Trump took office last year.The Trump administration's reversal of long-standing policy against arrests at immigration court resu...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elliot Spagat, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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