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Press Release

New York, NY, Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”), commends the recent decision from the Northern District of New York upholding New York’s Protect Our Courts Act (POCA). Enacted in 2020, POCA bars most immigration enforcement activities in or near courthouses. Ultimately, POCA codified New York’s long-standing protection of parties and their witnesses from civil arrest without judicial warrant or judicial order – both within courthouses and while traveling to and from court proceedings. 

The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino, rejected the Federal Government’s claim that the law unconstitutionally restricts federal immigration enforcement and is preempted by Federal law. In her decision, Judge D’Agostino determined that the 10th Amendment and settled principles of federalism permit States to control use of their own facilities and direct control of their officials without federal interference. 

WBASNY has strongly supported POCA. This law was enacted to protect judicial operations in the State and promote public safety. No one should fear civil arrest when required to appear in court.

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Thank you for celebrating the New York Women’s Bar Association’s 2025 Annual Awards and Installation Dinner on June 9, 2025 at Tribeca 360.

The President’s Special Award was jointly presented to U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney and Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin, along with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and Safe Horizon.

The NYWBA mourns the passing of Cecile Richards on January 20, 2025. We honored Cecile at our 2016 Annual Dinner where she graciously accepted the NYWBA President’s Special Award for her work as then-President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and her zealous advocacy for reproductive rights and education.

In August of 2024, the NYWBA sadly announced the untimely death of Amanda B. Norejko, our dynamic friend, Past President, Board Member and Committee Co-Chair.

In Amanda’s honor, we have created a webpage that is devoted to her memory. Click here to view this page.