Federal Immigration Agents Criticized for Courthouse Presence in Chicago

Officials condemn 'brazen' ICE actions that target court participants, including domestic violence victims

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:12pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom chair bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the absence and deterrence of domestic violence victims from seeking justice.The unsettling presence of federal immigration agents at Chicago courthouses has created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, deterring vulnerable victims from seeking the justice they deserve.Chicago Today

Federal immigration agents have been targeting people at and near courthouses in Chicago, despite county orders and state laws condemning civil arrests of court participants, according to Illinois officials. The agents have been present at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse on multiple occasions, raising concerns that their actions are deterring victims from seeking justice.

Why it matters

The presence of immigration agents at courthouses is seen as a violation of policies intended to protect the integrity of the judicial process and ensure access to justice, especially for vulnerable populations like domestic violence victims. Officials argue these actions undermine public trust and safety.

The details

Since the end of February, immigration agents entered or were present near Cook County courthouses at least five times, with four of those instances involving the Domestic Violence Courthouse. Officials say this 'brazen' behavior by ICE sends a 'sick message' that victims' pain will be used against them, and that domestic violence court should not be treated as a 'hunting ground'.

  • Since the end of February 2026, immigration agents have been present at Cook County courthouses on at least five occasions.

The players

Graciela Guzmán

An Illinois State Senator who condemned the ICE actions at the news conference.

Sharlyn Grace

The Deputy Public Defender for Cook County who provided details on the ICE presence at the courthouses.

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What they’re saying

“It sends a really sick message that your pain will be used against you. We should all be horrified. Domestic violence court is not a hunting ground.”

— Graciela Guzmán, Illinois State Senator

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local policies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to the judicial system. It raises concerns about the chilling effect ICE's actions could have on victims seeking help through the courts.