ICE Arrests at Illinois courthouses Restricted by Judge‘s Order
CHICAGO – A recent order from a Cook County judge restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from making arrests at Illinois courthouses, a move lauded by state officials concerned about chilling effects on the justice system. the order aims to ensure courthouses remain “safe spaces” where individuals can fulfill legal obligations without fear of immigration enforcement.
The restrictions follow growing concerns over ICE’s increased presence around courthouses and reports of agents arresting individuals with pending court dates. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has publicly denounced ICE’s tactics, stating, “People are afraid to go to court. They’re afraid to comply with subpoenas. We can’t allow that. These should be safe spaces.”
The judge’s order builds on a previous federal ruling last week that prohibited ICE from using tear gas, pepper spray, and other weapons against journalists and peaceful protesters following a lawsuit filed by news outlets and protest groups over actions taken during demonstrations outside a Chicago-area ICE facility. Pritzker indicated he expects attorneys to pursue further enforcement of that ruling.
Concerns over ICE activity have spurred community organizing in Chicago,with neighborhood groups monitoring ICE operations and documenting incidents. Recent efforts include “Whistlemania” events where residents assembled “whistle kits” containing whistles and “Know Your Rights” facts to alert communities to potential ICE enforcement. GoFundMe campaigns have also been established to cover legal fees for individuals detained by ICE, including a recently detained landscaper and father of three.
Pritzker has directly criticized ICE, stating, “ICE is causing this mayhem.They’re the ones throwing tear gas when people are peacefully protesting,” referencing incidents following a high-speed chase on Chicago’s South Side where Border Patrol agents deployed tear gas on gathered protesters.