U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Global Court for Daring to Probe Allies
Published Date: 2/12/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is slapping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) because it’s unfairly targeting American and Israeli officials, even though neither country agreed to be under its rules. These sanctions block ICC officials from doing business or traveling in the U.S., protecting American service members and leaders from bogus legal threats. The new rules kick in right away and could impact ICC operations financially and diplomatically.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Blocking ICC Officials' U.S. Assets
Starting with the Executive Order dated February 6, 2025, all property and interests in property in the United States (or coming into U.S. possession or control) of the person listed in the Annex and of foreign persons the Secretary of State designates are blocked. Blocked property may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in, and U.S. persons are prohibited from providing funds, goods, or services to those blocked.
Protections for U.S. and Allied Personnel
The order designates as 'protected persons' (1) United States persons — including current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, current or former U.S. elected or appointed officials, and others employed by or working on behalf of the U.S. Government — and (2) citizens or lawful residents of U.S. allies who have not consented to ICC jurisdiction, including their current or former armed forces and officials. The order declares ICC efforts to investigate or prosecute such protected persons an unusual and extraordinary threat and triggers the blocking and travel measures in the order to address that threat.
Visa Ban for ICC Officials and Families
The order suspends entry into the United States of aliens who meet the criteria in section 1, including ICC officials, employees, and agents and their immediate family members (defined as a spouse or child). The Secretary of State may permit entry when the Secretary determines it would not be contrary to U.S. interests or would further important U.S. law enforcement objectives.
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