A significant order has been issued by the chief judge of Illinois’ largest county, prohibiting immigration agents from detaining immigrants in courthouses without proper warrants.
Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans enacted this order on Tuesday, emphasizing the right of individuals to avoid civil arrest, according to a report from Chicago’s WTTW-TV.
“For justice to be properly administered, courtrooms must be accessible, allowing litigants and witnesses to attend without fear of civil arrest,” the order asserts. “This privilege has long been recognized in common law, ensuring that individuals can meet their legal obligations without additional legal risks.”
The order specifically addresses both witnesses and suspects, even extending to prevent ICE and other federal authorities from arresting individuals traveling to and from court.
“Access to justice hinges on every person’s ability to appear in court without fear or disruption,” the presiding judge noted. “Our courts are meant to be safe places where everyone, despite their background or situation, can engage in the judicial process with confidence.”
In a separate matter, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, known for his polarizing views, accused President Donald Trump of exhibiting signs of “mental incompetence.”
Pritzker voiced his criticisms of the president earlier this week during an appearance on Zerlina Maxwell’s SiriusXM program. “I think the president has some kind of mental deficiency,” he stated. “I’m serious about this. I believe he has mental health problems, and it seems nobody around him is providing help because they benefit from his reduced capacity.”
Despite recent comments suggesting a shift away from labeling political opponents as Nazis, Pritzker continued to use that term regarding Trump. “Honestly, Zerlina, I’ve been working for a decade with Holocaust survivors who created museums, and they consistently tell me their experiences during Nazi Germany and in occupied Europe, facing unimaginable hardships, including concentration camps and losing family members,” he stated.
He elaborated on how those survivors are clear about their past, explaining the gradual erosion of their rights. “It took Hitler only 53 days to dismantle Germany’s constitutional democracy,” he commented. While he insisted he doesn’t foresee a Holocaust-like situation, he referenced literature on how dictatorial regimes subtly undermine everything people hold dear.
Pritzker has not only labeled his political opponents as Nazis but has also threatened to illegally detain federal law enforcement officers executing their duties in Illinois.
