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CHICAGO: ICE Agents Can Now Be Arrested in Cook County and Can No Longer Arrest People at Court Hearings
Landmark Order Bans ICE Arrests at Courthouses
Cook County's Chief Judge, Timothy Evans, has issued a sweeping order prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting civil arrests at or around courthouses in the Chicago area. Effective October 15, 2025, this directive aims to ensure that individuals can attend court proceedings without fear of detention by immigration authorities.
The order specifically bars the civil arrest of any "party, witness, or potential witness" while they are going to, attending, or returning from court proceedings. This includes arrests made inside courthouses, as well as in parking lots, surrounding sidewalks, and entryways.
Escalating Enforcement Tactics Prompt Action
The decision comes in response to reports of increased ICE arrests near courthouses since July, which have raised concerns about access to justice and the potential deterrent effect on individuals, particularly within immigrant communities. Advocates argue that such enforcement tactics undermine the judicial process by discouraging court appearances.
Domestic violence advocacy organizations highlighted a case where a woman was detained by ICE while attempting to attend a domestic violence hearing, illustrating how these enforcement actions can prevent vulnerable individuals from seeking legal protection.
Body Camera Mandate for ICE Agents
In a related development, a federal judge in Chicago has mandated that immigration officers involved in local enforcement operations wear body cameras. This order follows public clashes and concerns about the use of force during recent immigration crackdowns. The judge expressed alarm over confrontations involving tear gas and emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in enforcement actions.
Controversial Arrests of Legal Workers
Adding to the controversy, there have been reports of ICE arresting individuals who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. For example, a suburban Chicago police officer, Radule Bojovic, was detained by ICE despite having valid work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Local authorities confirmed his legal status, and he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The new order creates a legal framework where ICE agents who violate the courthouse arrest ban could potentially face arrest themselves by Cook County law enforcement. This represents a significant shift in the power dynamic between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
The developments reflect ongoing tensions and legal challenges surrounding immigration enforcement practices in the Chicago area, with local officials taking increasingly assertive measures to protect immigrant communities and ensure access to the justice system.
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