Illinois is pushing forward with legislation that would make it one of just a few Democrat-led states to severely limit federal immigration enforcement near courthouses. On Friday, the Illinois legislature passed a bill that would ban federal agents from arresting illegal aliens within 1,000 feet of state courthouse buildings, both inside and outside.
The bill, now headed to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for approval, is being touted by Democrat lawmakers as a step toward protecting communities from fear and separation. State Senator Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Democrat and one of the bill’s vocal advocates, claimed the measure would offer “a sense of safety” to illegal immigrants who fear being taken into custody simply for showing up to court.
The legislation also allows Illinois residents to sue federal immigration agents who they claim violated their constitutional rights, such as protections against unlawful searches or seizures.
However, not all Democrats are confident the law will stand up to federal court scrutiny. Senate President Don Harmon admitted that while he believes the law is constitutionally sound, he is concerned about how it may fare in a judiciary system he says is “stacked against us.” Even so, he believes it’s worth trying.
The bill is a direct response to the recent DHS operation known as “Midway Blitz,” which targeted illegal immigration activity in Illinois and Indiana. According to DHS, that operation led to the arrest of over 3,000 illegal aliens, including individuals with convictions for rape, murder, and gang activity.
Illinois follows in the footsteps of California and Connecticut, which have both taken action to block federal agents from making arrests at courthouses. In Illinois, a Cook County judge has already issued a temporary order blocking such arrests within the county.
As debates over immigration enforcement heat up, Illinois is staking its position firmly against federal involvement at the courthouse steps.
