Human Rights Watch, the Open Society Institute, the American Friends Service Committee and the Center for Constitutional Rights filed the case in New York, challenging restrictions imposed on people working with the ICC.
The lawsuit targets an executive order issued by President Donald Trump last year that authorizes sanctions against ICC prosecutors, judges and others involved with the court. The measures were introduced after the ICC pursued cases involving officials from the United States and Israel.
The organizations say the sanctions have limited their ability to cooperate with the ICC in efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Their legal challenge seeks to overturn the restrictions, arguing that the administration exceeded presidential authority and infringed on constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and religious expression.
The case follows another lawsuit filed last month by organizations advocating for Palestinian human rights. The State Department rejected that challenge, accusing the groups of attempting to facilitate what it described as ICC overreach and warning that the court threatens US sovereignty.
Three ICC judges have also filed a separate legal challenge against the Trump administration over the sanctions.
Trump’s conflict with the ICC dates back to his first presidency. An executive order imposing similar restrictions in 2020 was blocked by a federal judge, who found that the measures likely violated First Amendment protections. The order was later withdrawn by President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington would intensify its campaign against the court in The Hague, including diplomatic efforts encouraging other nations to withdraw from the ICC.
Rubio has argued that the court could pose risks to US personnel involved in Trump’s immigration policies, military operations and strikes against vessels suspected of transporting drugs.
During a July 31 cabinet meeting, Trump said the administration’s campaign was focused on protecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other allies rather than shielding him personally.
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