New York State Bar Association To Host Seminar on the Limits of Federal Law Enforcement Power at Immigration Protests
2.13.2026
In the wake of a rising number of deportations and arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the New York State Bar Association is hosting a seminar so that New Yorkers will know their rights before they encounter ICE.
On Jan. 7, an ICE agent shot and killed Renée Good in Minneapolis, sparking protests in the city and all around the country. The administration had deployed thousands of federal officers to Minneapolis and the surrounding region before the killing. On Jan. 24, another Minneapolis resident, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Protesters throughout the country – including New York — are exercising their constitutional rights to speak up against the harsh methods deployed by federal agents and the lack of due process,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “We want to help New Yorkers who protest or record immigration arrests know their rights.”
The webinar, “Limits of Law Enforcement”, will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 10. The program will help attorneys better advise clients who monitor or protest actions by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The speakers will be:
Molly Biklen, legal director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Issac Wheeler, immigration specialist attorney at Federal Defenders of New York.
In her position at the NYCLU, Ms. Biklen secured an agreement that significantly overhauled how the New York Police Department handles protests. She also represents people arrested by immigration enforcement.
Mr. Wheeler often speaks on issues related to immigration law. Before his current position, he worked as legal director of the immigration practice of The Bronx Defenders, and as litigation attorney and later legal director of the Immigrant Defense Project.
Karin Anderson Ponzer, director of legal services at Neighbors Link Community Law Practice, will moderate. Neighbors Link Community Law Practice provides a variety of immigration legal services, including representation in removal proceedings.
Over the past year, the New York State Bar Association has hosted a number of programs addressing the actions of federal immigration enforcement, including guidance for attorneys representing noncitizens and how nonprofits can protect immigrant clients. The association has also supported Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposals to ensure that sensitive locations – including schools – are protected from warrantless civil immigration enforcement.
Journalists are invited to attend but must contact Rebecca Melnitsky at rmelnitsky@nysba.org.