NEW YORK — Four US human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit challenging sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration against the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The groups filed the case in a federal court in New York. They argue that the US government’s sanctions against ICC-linked individuals and organizations violate the US Constitution.
The organizations are asking the court to declare the sanctions unconstitutional.
Four Human Rights Groups File Lawsuit
The plaintiffs include Human Rights Watch, American Friends Service Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights and Open Society Institute.
The groups presented their arguments in a 101-page court filing.
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They argue that US sanctions now target ICC judges, prosecutors and people who cooperate with the court.
According to the organizations, the measures have made it more difficult for human rights groups to work with the ICC.
Groups Cite First Amendment Rights
The plaintiffs argue that the sanctions interfere with their freedom of speech and other protections under the First Amendment.
They say the restrictions can prevent organizations from carrying out legitimate legal and human rights work connected to the ICC.
The groups are asking the court to protect their ability to communicate and cooperate with the international court.
War Crimes Victims Could Also Face Impact
The organizations argue that the sanctions could affect victims of alleged war crimes.
They say victims rely on the ICC when seeking accountability and justice for serious international crimes.
The groups also warn that the restrictions could hinder efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
US Has Sanctioned ICC Officials
Human Rights Watch says the United States has sanctioned eight ICC judges and three prosecutors.
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A UN expert and three human rights organizations have also faced US sanctions, according to the group.
The Trump administration first imposed sanctions on four ICC judges in June 2025 and later expanded the measures.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, has also faced US sanctions.
Trump Signed Executive Order on ICC
Trump signed an executive order on February 6, 2025, that paved the way for sanctions against people who assist ICC investigations involving US citizens or those of allied countries.
The measures can include asset freezes and financial restrictions.
The order can also allow authorities to impose entry restrictions on certain individuals.
Washington Rejects ICC Jurisdiction Over Americans
The Trump administration argues that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over US citizens.
Washington also rejects ICC proceedings involving citizens of countries that have not accepted the court’s jurisdiction.
The United States has strongly opposed ICC actions involving American officials and Israeli authorities.
ICC Warrants for Israeli Officials
The ICC has investigated alleged crimes linked to the war in Gaza.
In November 2024, the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Israel rejected the allegations.
The United States also criticized the ICC’s action and described the case against its ally as unlawful and politically motivated.
The lawsuit filed by the four US human rights organizations now brings the dispute over Washington’s ICC sanctions before a US federal court.
The case could test the limits of the administration’s sanctions policy and its impact on organizations that work with international institutions.
