Chicago Officials Accuse ICE of Violating Illinois Law on Courthouse Arrests

Leaders say ICE agents have made arrests at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse despite a state law prohibiting such activity.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:41pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of an ICE agent's badge or insignia, with overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, conveying a sense of disruption and conflict.The aggressive tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies have disrupted access to the courts, undermining the democratic principles of justice and due process.Chicago Today

Chicago area officials have accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of carrying out arrests at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse, in violation of an Illinois law that prohibits such activity. The Cook County Public Defender's office reported that ICE agents showed up at the courthouse on multiple occasions, including an arrest on March 13. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law in October 2026 banning immigration agents from executing civil warrants at courthouses, and the Cook County Chief Judge has issued a similar order.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, particularly in sensitive locations like courthouses where vulnerable individuals may be seeking legal assistance. The Illinois law was intended to protect access to the courts for all residents, but the Trump administration appears to be disregarding it.

The details

According to reports, ICE agents have shown up at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse on multiple occasions, including an arrest on March 13. This activity directly violates an Illinois law signed by Governor Pritzker in October 2026, which prohibits immigration agents from executing civil warrants at courthouses. The Cook County Chief Judge has also issued an order with the same prohibition.

  • On March 13, 2026, ICE agents arrested a woman at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse.
  • In October 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law banning immigration agents from executing civil warrants at courthouses.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who signed a law in October 2026 banning immigration agents from executing civil warrants at courthouses.

Toni Preckwinkle

The Cook County Board President who is working with the Cook County Sheriff's Office to determine how to hold ICE agents accountable for the courthouse arrests.

Graciela Guzmán

An Illinois state senator who criticized the Trump administration for disregarding the state's law prohibiting immigration arrests at courthouses.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has been accused of carrying out arrests at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse in violation of Illinois law.

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What they’re saying

“Our state made a democratic choice to protect people's access to the courts. We said that survivors, witnesses, families, and community members should be able to walk into a courthouse without fear that doing the right thing would put a target on their backs. Yet the Trump administration, fully aware of Illinois' law, has shown up at Domestic Violence Court again and again.”

— Graciela Guzmán, Illinois State Senator

What’s next

Cook County officials are working to determine what actions can be taken to hold ICE accountable for the courthouse arrests, which violate Illinois law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, particularly in sensitive locations like courthouses where vulnerable individuals may be seeking legal assistance. The Illinois law was intended to protect access to the courts, but the Trump administration appears to be disregarding it, raising concerns about the ability of immigrants to safely engage with the justice system.