CHICAGO (RTW News) — The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, challenging the state's newly enacted laws designed to safeguard immigrants in courthouses, hospitals, and schools. The laws, signed by Pritzker earlier this month, bar civil arrests in and around courthouses statewide and mandate that facilities like hospitals and day care centers implement procedures for managing civil immigration actions and safeguarding personal data.
The legislation, which took effect immediately, also allows individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated during federal enforcement actions to pursue legal recourse, including potential damages of $10,000 for wrongful arrests while attending court proceedings. Supporters, including immigration and legal advocates, have embraced the new laws, asserting they mitigate fears experienced by many immigrants who avoid interacting with legal and medical institutions due to worries about detention.
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, termed the new regulations a brave choice, emphasizing the need for both community action and legislative solutions in response to violent federal enforcement measures.
However, the Justice Department contends that Pritzker and Raoul, both Democrats, have infringed upon the U.S. Constitution with these laws, claiming they threaten federal officers' safety. The lawsuit is part of a broader initiative led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to target local laws perceived as obstructing federal immigration operations.
Pritzker and Raoul have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the lawsuit. Pritzker had previously acknowledged the possibility of legal challenges when signing the bills, expressing his belief in their necessity. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recent Operation Midway Blitz resulted in over 4,000 arrests, with data revealing that only 15% of those apprehended had criminal records, predominantly nonviolent offenses.
The legislation, which took effect immediately, also allows individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated during federal enforcement actions to pursue legal recourse, including potential damages of $10,000 for wrongful arrests while attending court proceedings. Supporters, including immigration and legal advocates, have embraced the new laws, asserting they mitigate fears experienced by many immigrants who avoid interacting with legal and medical institutions due to worries about detention.
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, termed the new regulations a brave choice, emphasizing the need for both community action and legislative solutions in response to violent federal enforcement measures.
However, the Justice Department contends that Pritzker and Raoul, both Democrats, have infringed upon the U.S. Constitution with these laws, claiming they threaten federal officers' safety. The lawsuit is part of a broader initiative led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to target local laws perceived as obstructing federal immigration operations.
Pritzker and Raoul have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the lawsuit. Pritzker had previously acknowledged the possibility of legal challenges when signing the bills, expressing his belief in their necessity. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recent Operation Midway Blitz resulted in over 4,000 arrests, with data revealing that only 15% of those apprehended had criminal records, predominantly nonviolent offenses.
