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Illinois Passes Bill to Block Civil Immigration Arrests Near Courthouses

The move sets up an expected legal fight over state authority versus federal enforcement.

Overview

  • The bill cleared both chambers and was sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who backs the concept and recently sought a Halloween enforcement pause that DHS publicly rejected.
  • It bars civil immigration arrests near courthouses, establishing a reported 1,000-foot safe zone to protect access to proceedings.
  • It creates a private right to sue over civil immigration arrests that violate constitutional rights and adds civil damages for false imprisonment, including $10,000 for improper courthouse arrests.
  • Hospitals, day care centers and colleges must adopt protocols for interactions with federal agents and restrict disclosure of immigration status, with fines for noncompliance.
  • Sponsors anticipate immediate legal challenges and potential removal to federal court as federal agencies defend ongoing operations in the Chicago area.