[1] On August 7, 1987, Arcara was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of New York vacated by Judge John T. Elfvin, who assumed senior status.

[1] Arcara presided over the 2007 trial of James Charles Kopp, who was charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Judge Arcara also presided over the internationally significant Robert Rhodes trial in 2005.

The incident was addressed by then Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Homeland Security Thomas Ridge when the Chinese Foreign Minister accused the United States of human rights violations by Rhodes' actions.

Rhodes was acquitted after a high-profile trial in August 2005, presided over by Chief Judge Arcara.