Illinois Pushes Legislation to Protect Immigrants Near Courthouses Despite Legal Doubts

Fri Dec 12 2025 15:36:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at safeguarding immigrants from federal immigration arrests near courthouses, with challenges anticipated.

A new Illinois bill, supported by Gov. JB Pritzker, aims to prevent federal immigration arrests near courthouses and enables lawsuits for constitutional rights violations. While it aims to ensure access to justice for all, doubts loom over its survival against potential court challenges.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a significant move to protect immigrants, Illinois lawmakers have passed legislation prohibiting federal authorities from conducting immigration arrests near courthouses. This bill, which now awaits review from Governor JB Pritzker, is a response to growing concerns about the safety and accessibility of courthouses for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

The legislation, passed early Friday, allows individuals to sue in cases where they believe their constitutional rights have been violated during civil immigration arrests. In addition, it imposes civil damages for false imprisonment if a person attending a court hearing is arrested. Proponents insist that courthouses should be safe spaces for individuals seeking justice.

Democratic Senate President Don Harmon, a lead supporter of the bill, acknowledged the possible challenges it may face in court, stating, 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. He emphasized the importance of pursuing the bill despite these challenges.

Pritzker is expected to support the measure, advocating for an environment where individuals can seek justice without fear of federal intervention. His spokesperson confirmed that the governor would review the proposals as they arrive at his office.

This legislation follows a series of measures in other states aimed at safeguarding immigrants' rights. For instance, California has enforced similar restrictions on immigration enforcement in courthouses since 2017, emphasizing the need to provide secure access to court facilities for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In September, the Connecticut Supreme Court also issued a policy to prohibit warrantless arrests inside state courts, reinforcing safe spaces for legal proceedings.

The introduction of this bill highlights the ongoing struggle to balance state regulations with federal immigration enforcement, revealing the complexities surrounding legal protections for immigrants in modern America.