The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a lawsuit against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The case centers around a recent Illinois law designed to protect immigrants in public spaces such as courthouses, hospitals, and day care centers.
Illinois Law on Immigration Enforcement
Governor Pritzker signed this legislation earlier in the month. The law specifically prohibits immigration enforcement activities within 1,000 feet of a courthouse. Additionally, it mandates that hospitals, public universities, community colleges, and day care centers devise plans to respond to potential encounters with federal immigration agents.
Pritzker argues that the law provides essential protections against what he describes as unjust practices by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He maintains that the law upholds the rights of law-abiding residents.
Details of the Lawsuit
The DOJ’s lawsuit claims that the Illinois law is unconstitutional. The department asserts that such state measures threaten the safety of law enforcement officers and expose them to significant legal risks. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate expressed the DOJ’s stance, stating:
- “The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Illinois’.”
Pritzker has shown confidence in the legality of his law, stating he is not overly concerned about any potential legal challenges. He emphasized that the legislation is not just beneficial but transformative for the community. He highlighted that while his administration does not tolerate violent crimes by undocumented individuals, ICE is misdirecting its enforcement efforts:
- Pritzker noted that the agency targets not just criminals but also law-abiding individuals.
- His office clarified that Illinois stands firmly on protecting constitutional rights, contrasting this approach with practices of the previous administration.
This lawsuit marks a significant confrontation between state authorities and federal immigration enforcement, raising questions about the balance of power and rights of immigrants in Illinois.
