Cook County Judge Bars ICE Arrests at Courthouses Amid Immigration Crackdown

Thu Oct 16 2025 01:19:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a decisive move to protect individuals attending court, Cook County's top judge has signed an order prohibiting ICE from carrying out arrests within courthouse premises. This action responds to escalating fears among residents that government enforcement practices have led to a chilling effect on judicial access.

Cook County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Evans has signed an order prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests inside courthouses and their vicinity, a response to rising concerns over ICE's aggressive tactics during recent immigration crackdowns. Advocates argue that these tactics deter vulnerable individuals from seeking justice, while the Department of Homeland Security defends the actions as necessary law enforcement. Local officials and community advocates are rallying in significant numbers to support this judicial decision, which emphasizes the importance of accessible justice for all residents.

CHICAGO (AP) — In a significant ruling, Cook County's Chief Judge Timothy Evans has taken a stand against the federal immigration enforcement practice of arresting individuals at courthouses. Evans signed an order that went into effect Wednesday, effectively barring ICE from carrying out civil arrests of any party, witness, or potential witness attending court proceedings. This includes arrests inside courthouses and extends to parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways.

The decision comes amidst heightened enforcement actions by immigration officials, particularly as Cook County, which contains Chicago, has seen a marked increase in ICE activity over recent months. Advocates for immigration reform have expressed relief over the ruling, citing fears among residents that they could face arrest while simply fulfilling their civic duties. Cruz Rodriguez, an assistant public defender, noted that many clients face a terrible decision: either missing court and risking a warrant or attending and potentially being detained by ICE.

Organizations advocating for domestic violence victims have also joined calls for stricter rules against ICE actions near courthouses, pointing to distressing cases where vulnerable individuals were apprehended while seeking help. Alexa Van Brunt, director of MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois office, expressed gratitude for the judge's order, stating, This is a necessary and overdue action to ensure that the people of Cook County can access the courts without fear.”

While immigration advocates have cheered this decision, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responded by defending ICE's presence at courthouses, characterizing it as a sensible law enforcement strategy. We aren’t some medieval kingdom; there are no legal sanctuaries where you can hide and avoid the consequences for breaking the law, the DHS stated.

The issue of courthouse arrests is not isolated to Cook County; it reflects a broader trend seen across the United States in the past few years, leading to lawsuits and legislative efforts aimed at restricting ICE's authority in judicial settings. As statehouse Democrats prepare to condemn the federal immigration crackdown, they, alongside advocacy groups, are emphasizing the importance of courthouses as safe spaces where individuals can pursue justice free from the threat of deportation.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has similarly criticized ICE tactics and indicated potential further legal action to ensure protections for individuals seeking assistance at courthouses. This growing momentum among state officials, community advocates, and residents is indicative of a robust effort to challenge federal enforcement policies perceived as unjust and damaging to the principles of equity and justice.