Illinois law protects immigrants from arrest near courthouses, hospitals or colleges
December 9, 2025
Illinois has a new law shielding immigrants from federal enforcement near courthouses, hospitals, university campuses, and day cares. Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker signed the law on Tuesday, and it takes effect immediately. Critics argue the law may be overturned by courts. It provides legal steps for those whose rights were violated during the Trump administration’s recent immigration crackdown in the Chicago area. The law includes $10,000 in damages for unlawful arrests while attempting to attend a court proceeding. More than 4,000 people were arrested in the recent immigration crackdown. Data from early September through mid-October showed only 15% of those arrested had criminal records.