SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers have sent Governor JB Pritzker a bill that would prohibit federal authorities from making immigration arrests near courthouses. However, even one of the chief sponsors of the measure has expressed doubt about whether it will withstand legal challenges.
The proposed legislation, passed early Friday, would also allow individuals to pursue lawsuits if they believe their constitutional rights have been violated during civil immigration arrests. It also imposes civil damages for false imprisonment in cases where someone attending a court hearing is arrested. Proponents argue that making courts accessible to everyone is crucial for pursuing justice.
Senate President Don Harmon, a Democratic representative and lead sponsor of the bill, acknowledged that the legislation is likely to prompt a court challenge. He stated, It's not just about the constitutionality of the law, which I think is sound, but it’s the reality that the courts are stacked against us.”
Governor Pritzker has expressed support for the initiative, and a spokesperson indicated that he would review the bill upon reaching his desk.
The bill comes as part of a broader trend, with various states adopting measures aimed at protecting immigrants. California, for instance, has limited immigration enforcement in courthouses since 2017, and recently, Connecticut's Supreme Court Chief Justice issued a policy banning warrantless arrests in state courtrooms.
Two weeks prior, the top judge in Cook County, home to Chicago, issued a similar order prohibiting immigration arrests near courthouses. However, federal officials have stated there are no legal sanctuaries for individuals avoiding repercussions for their immigration status.
As advocates push for greater rights and safety for immigrants, the message remains clear: courthouses should not be sites of fear or intimidation, and individuals should not have to choose between pursuing justice and risking their freedom.
