ICE Took at Least One Man Into Custody at Meriden Courthouse
MERIDEN, CT — Federal immigration agents took at least one man into custody at Meriden Superior Court Wednesday, Sept. 23, while two members of an immigrant-rights rapid response team were injured during a courthouse confrontation, The Connecticut Mirror reported. A Connecticut Judicial Branch official said marshals had received a warrant before the arrest.
Meriden resident Nancy Burton said an ICE agent pepper-sprayed her as he left the courthouse, according to the Mirror. Another volunteer, Madeline Gallagher, was pushed to the ground by a courthouse security staffer as activists crowded around the agents, the Mirror reported. Gallagher was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
On Sept. 25, the Department of Homeland Security released the arrested man's name and described his immigration history, CT Insider reported. CT Insider said it could not independently verify that history or his status.
Judicial Branch Review Continues in Meriden
Stephen Ment, executive director of the Judicial Branch’s external affairs division, said officials were reviewing the warrant and examining video of the incident to determine whether Connecticut law was followed. The review also became the subject of competing accounts.
DHS accused judicial marshals of impeding ICE, CT Insider reported. Ment said the Judicial Branch’s preliminary review did not lead it to believe marshals impeded federal officials. He said the review continues. The preliminary assessment was reported Sept. 25; no final result has been reported.
The encounter raised questions about the state’s Trust Act, which limits immigration enforcement activity at courthouses and prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks, according to the Mirror. A separate provision establishing protected areas, including hospitals, schools, and places of worship, was scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.