ICE abuses must not be tolerated

One of the most important and cherished rights in the United States is the right to defend yourself and access to a legal criminal justice process. However, on June 17 at Cook County’s Bridgeview Courthouse, justice was decidedly not served. Three persons were taken into custody, one immediately following his court hearing. A woman and her son (a minor) were also taken. ICE officers produced no warrants for these arrests.

Nor are these cases confined to the Bridgeview Courthouse. ICE is adopting a lower-profile, targeted approach throughout the state of Illinois. ICE agents arrest individuals during their hearings. These arrests/detentions are in direct conflict with the TRUST Act signed into law to prevent arrests without a judicial warrant “at or near a courthouse and its environs’.

On May 31, federal agents arrested two men in front of the Kane County Jail in St. Charles as they were leaving after serving weekend sentences. On June 15, ICE agents arrested a Guatemalan national at the Kane County Courthouse. ICE has begun to detain Rapid Response staff. Additionally, local police are aiding ICE agents in these arrests. Kane County’s state attorney and undersheriff have gone on record defending these ICE actions as legal.

We decry these unjustified uses of power. These arrests and detentions will continue throughout the state of Illinois until all people explicitly and repeatedly protest and reject such violations. Be aware, informed and alert. Make a stand for justice and humanity.

Demand accountability from your local officials and share this information with everyone in your community.

Sierra Vowell

South Elgin