On October 15th, 2025, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans signed an order barring ICE agents from arresting individuals at courthouses or their surrounding areas.
In the past several weeks, ICE agents have routinely utilized the tactic of detaining individuals outside of county courthouses. However, the order, signed on Tuesday, October 15th, and taking effect the following day, forbids the civil arrest of any individual (party, witness, or potential witness) while attending court proceedings. This order included arrests inside courthouses, parking lots, surrounding sidewalks, and entryways.
What Changes For You
If you are an individual summoned to civil court for whatever reason, this order grants you more protection, as it forbids the arrest of any party, witness, or potential witness. In this way, you and your loved ones may feel greater security and safety when attending hearings. Additionally, moving forward, lawyers and advocates may argue for enforcement in other jurisdictions.
Things To Watch
From this point forward, it is important that you keep watch on whether the order is extended to other jurisdictions in Illinois. Next, check if ICE agents or other federal agents are making attempts to contest the order. Lastly, keep an eye out on whether similar orders are appearing in other counties.
What You Should Do
It is crucial that you still attend court when required; don’t skip out due to fear. Share this information with your loved ones to raise awareness. Most of all, if you are arrested on court grounds despite this order, demand your rights and call for legal help.