Limits on courthouse arrests, identity concealment, ICE cooperation proposed

(The Center Square) – Proposals to restrict civil arrests at courthouses, limit when law enforcement officers may conceal their identities, and narrow state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities have been proposed by a Democrat in the Virginia Senate.

Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax, is yet to have a hearing for his three bills. Each has been referred to the Courts of Justice Committee.

One proposal, Senate Bill 351, would prohibit most civil arrests in and around courthouses.

The bill would protect individuals required to attend court, including parties, witnesses, and certain family or household members, from civil arrest while attending, traveling to, or leaving court proceedings.

Civil arrests would be allowed only if authorized by a judicial warrant or order that has been reviewed by a designated judicial officer.

Violations could be punished as ...