Top Cook County judge bars civil immigration arrests at courthouses

Cook County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Evans has signed an order barring civil arrests of people while at county courts — a common tactic used by federal immigration agents to detain people.

The order took effect Wednesday and bars the civil arrest of any “party, witness, or potential witness” while going to, remaining at or returning from court proceedings inside the courthouse or the larger property, such as parking lots, sidewalks or entryways.

Judicial warrants can still be executed, however.

“The fair administration of justice requires that courts remain open and accessible, and that litigants and witnesses may appear without fear of civil arrest,” the order states. “The common law has long recognized this privilege to ensure individuals can fulfill legal duties without risking further legal jeopardy.”

It comes about two weeks after the Cook County public defender’s office and legal aid organizations made a call for the action, saying clients were avoiding court out of fear of being detained by federal immigration authorities.

At least two people were detained by federal immigration agents outside the Rolling Meadows courthouse Tuesday morning, according to a witness account and video shared with the Sun-Times.

To read the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.