Donald Trump is trying to criminalize the practice of volunteers accompanying immigrants to their court proceedings. Why? Because it works to prevent rights violations. The best way for citizens to show up for noncitizens is to literally show up.

On June 17, 2025, New York City comptroller Brad Lander, at that time a mayoral candidate, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lander was engaged in the process of immigrant accompaniment, which is when humanitarian supporters accompany immigrants to their court proceedings. Their presence can throw sand in the system’s gears and slow down deportations. Donald Trump’s second administration is criminalizing this practice precisely because they know it works.

In researching my book The Politics of Sanctuary, I spent years du

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