Judge rules against Minuteman

A McHenry County judge this afternoon issued a temporary restraining order against the Illinois Minuteman Project, barring the group from holding a Saturday meeting at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake and requiring the organization tell ticketholders the event will not be held there.

The hotel's owners had filed an emergency petition for the order this afternoon, citing security concerns posed by the event, which was expected to also draw hundreds of protesters. The Minuteman Project's goal is to eliminate illegal immigration. It's keynote was to be an Ohio sheriff who has had success in having illegal immigrants deported.

Rita Alliss Powers, an attorney for the hotel, said Crystal Lake Police told management it would need 17 armed officers on the site and a SWAT team stationed nearby to provide security. The cost to the hotel has been estimated at more than $3,000.

"These meetings have a history of drawing a lot of visceral reaction and protest," Allis Powers said. The hotel "has serious serous concerns about having this type of event on its property."

Minuteman attorney Suzanne Walters said the group is weighing whether it can hold the event Saturday at another location or postpone it.

"We'll be evaluating our options," Walters said. "It's going to be difficult. I'm not really sure what's going to happen now."