safety
Judge bars immigration arrests at US courthouses in a setback for Trump
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
By ELLIOT SPAGAT
The Associated Press
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 a...
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 Odessa
The ruling's impact will be felt in the Permian Basin, where immigration issues are a significant concern due to the area's large immigrant population and proximity to the US-Mexico border. For local residents, the decision means that immigration court hearings in Odessa will no longer be accompanied by the fear of arrest. This change could lead to increased attendance at court hearings, as individuals will feel more secure in attending proceedings without the risk of being taken into custody. The ruling may also affect local law enforcement agencies, which have had to navigate the complexities of federal immigration policies. As the policy is rolled back, local authorities will need to adapt to the new guidelines, potentially altering their protocols for interacting with federal immigration agents in and around courthouses. The community will be watching to see how this change plays out in practice.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa 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 Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By ELLIOT SPAGAT
The Associated Press
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 a...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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