Four civil liberties organizations in the United States have taken legal action against President Donald Trump’s administration regarding the sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that these measures are illegal. The American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Human Rights Watch, and the Open Society Institute filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in the Southern District of New York.
The lawsuit accuses Trump of overstepping his authority by issuing an executive order in February 2025 that authorized sanctions against ICC personnel and any foreign individuals or entities supporting the court’s activities. These sanctions were a response to the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants in late 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, which Israel has denied.
The plaintiffs argue that the sanctions have impeded their ability to engage in various human rights and legal activities, infringing on rights safeguarded by the U.S. Constitution, including freedom of speech. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, expressed concern during an online news conference, stating that the Trump administration’s actions undermine the rule of law necessary for safety and the promotion of human rights globally.
In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, a White House official stated via email that the ICC is politicized and claims unfettered authority to investigate and prosecute U.S. and allied nationals. The official emphasized that the U.S. will take necessary actions to safeguard its sovereignty and that of its allies from what it deems illegitimate actions by the ICC.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The court has had a strained relationship with the U.S. for many years, with tensions escalating notably under the Trump administration, leading to sanctions against ICC officials.
Recently, the U.S. government launched an aggressive campaign to dismantle the ICC, citing it as a threat to American sovereignty. This move has sparked legal challenges, including lawsuits against the Trump administration for sanctions impacting free speech and advocacy efforts.
Furthermore, legal groups in the U.S. have sought clarification from a judge regarding restrictions on birthright citizenship following attempts by the Trump administration to curtail this right despite a Supreme Court ruling rejecting such measures. The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations argue that the administration’s executive orders undermine the Supreme Court’s decision and are urging the court to uphold birthright citizenship rights.