Gov. JB Pritzker signs law barring immigration enforcement in courthouses

Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday barring civil immigration enforcement from being carried out in courthouses, while giving residents more leeway to sue federal agents over alleged civil rights violations.

The so-called ICE-out legislation was approved by state lawmakers earlier this fall in response to the enhanced immigration enforcement being carried out by the Trump administration.

Illinois’ new law, which takes effect immediately, prohibits civil arrests in or within 1,000 feet of courthouses, which have been the sites of deportation operations by federal agents in recent months.

It also requires hospitals, day care facilities and public universities to institute plans to prepare for immigration enforcement actions, and bars them from sharing most residents’ information with federal agents.

“Illinois, in the face of cruelty and intimidation, has chosen solidarity and support,” Pritzker said before signing the bill alongside Democratic supporters in Little Village. “Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Gregory Bovino have tried to appeal to our lesser instincts, but the best of us are standing up to the worst of them.”

The law was roundly opposed by Illinois Republicans, and questions remain about how the state will enforce the ban on arrests at courthouses. Supporters said they expect legal challenges.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said the legislation “sends the message that if you abuse your authority, there are consequences.”

“Our rights follow us into the courthouse, onto campus, at the hospital, and when taking our kids to day care. No one gets to take them away,” Harmon said.