U.S. human rights groups sue Trump over ICC sanctions

Four American human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit in New York against Donald Trump's administration, challenging its campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and associated individuals and entities. The lawsuit, brought forth by the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, the Open Society Institute, and Human Rights Watch, alleges that Trump's government is imposing illegal sanctions on those affiliated with or cooperating with the ICC.

The organizations argue that these sanctions, enacted through an executive order in February 2025, constitute a "flagrantly illegal attack" on international justice. They contend that the measures force them to restrict legal and human rights advocacy activities, thereby violating their First and Fifth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit also asserts that the sanctions exceed presidential powers and are based on a baseless claim of a "national emergency."

The U.S. does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over its citizens, as it has not ratified the Rome Statute. The Trump administration applies this stance to Israel and its citizens as well. The executive order cited the ICC's investigations into U.S. military actions and arrest warrants against Israeli officials for alleged war crimes in Gaza as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and foreign policy, leading to the declaration of a national emergency.

Previously, the Trump administration used this order to sanction ICC prosecutors, judges, a UN special rapporteur, and Palestinian human rights organizations. In July, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced further efforts to dismantle the court, including additional sanctions and pressure on countries that recognize the ICC.