Four US Human Rights Groups Sue Over Trump Sanctions Against ICC

NEW YORK, August 12, 2026:** Four major US human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit in a federal court in New York challenging sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump against the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The organizations bringing the case are Human Rights Watch, the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Open Society Institute.

In their 101-page filing, the groups argue that the US government’s targeting of ICC judges, prosecutors and other individuals and organizations cooperating with the court violates the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of expression, as well as other US laws.

The organizations contend that the Trump administration’s sanctions not only undermine fundamental constitutional rights but also obstruct access to justice for victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

According to the plaintiffs, the sanctions have made it increasingly difficult for human rights organizations to work with the ICC and individuals associated with the court on legal and human rights matters.

They said the measures particularly affect victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity who seek to use the ICC to hold alleged perpetrators accountable.

Human Rights Watch said the US government subsequently imposed sanctions on eight ICC judges, three prosecutors, a United Nations special expert and three human rights organizations.

The United States imposed sanctions on four ICC judges in June 2025, with additional judges and individuals associated with the court later added to the sanctions list. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, has also been subjected to US sanctions.

Trump issued an executive order on February 6, 2025, authorizing sanctions against ICC officials and others assisting the court in investigations involving US citizens or US allies.

The measures include freezing assets, imposing financial restrictions and restricting entry into the United States.

The Trump administration has argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over US citizens and nationals of countries that have not accepted the court’s jurisdiction. Washington has particularly opposed ICC investigations and proceedings involving US personnel and Israeli officials.

The ICC has pursued investigations related to the Gaza war and issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024.

Israel rejected the allegations, while the United States described the ICC’s action against its ally as unlawful and politically motivated.

The Trump administration subsequently expanded sanctions against ICC officials and other individuals and organizations cooperating with the court.:::