Decision imminent in landmark US Department of Justice lawsuit over immigration enforcement in Chicago and across Illinois
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — An important ruling is expected soon regarding a lawsuit about immigration enforcement in Illinois, which could have significant constitutional consequences.

A judge from the U.S. district court is poised to determine if a federal lawsuit against Illinois, including Cook County and the city of Chicago, concerning the collaboration with immigration enforcement, will proceed or be thrown out.

The ABC7 I-Team reviewed court filings in the case to learn more about the arguments that the U.S. Department of Justice is making.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The lawsuit was filed in February shortly after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi took office.

The federal government contends that Illinois laws restricting cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local police are unlawfully obstructing immigration enforcement, potentially endangering public safety.

In one example included in the filing, federal officials allege a suspect wanted on an immigration detainer was being held in Cook County jail in August 2024, and following state and local laws, jail officials refused to honor ICE’s detainer.

That individual was released, and months later, the DOJ claims they were “subsequently arrested.. for criminal sexual assault and abuse of a minor.”

The examples listed in the court filings do not include any specific details, such as the suspects names or local law enforcement agencies involved in the investigations.

ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer said while the Illinois TRUST Act and Chicago Welcoming City ordinance may not be found to be outright illegal, it comes down to how they are enforced.

“The state generally would have a right not to cooperate, or affirmatively volunteer to cooperate with the feds,” Soffer said. “It doesn’t have the right to obstruct the feds, and that’s really the key question.”

Soffer said the case boils down to the line between state and federal rights.

“What are the powers of the feds? What are the powers of the states? How do you separate them, and how do you honor each of them?” Soffer said. “This case calls that very concept into question.”

In their filed arguments, U.S. attorneys assert federal powers are “broad and undoubted over the subject of immigration and the status of aliens,” and that prohibiting collaboration makes immigration enforcement “nearly impossible.”

But immigration enforcement has been occurring in Illinois since President Donald Trump took office for his second term.

While ICE has not released the number of arrests at the local or state level, federal data published by Syracuse University’s TRAC, and reviewed by the I-Team, shows from January to March of this year, 6,430 new deportation proceedings were filed in Illinois immigration court.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told the I-Team he believes a judge weighing in on this issue is necessary, even if the issue at the center of the case has been argued and settled before.

“I’m pleased that the Department of Justice chose to sue Illinois first, so that we can get clarity for our local law enforcement departments throughout the state,” Raoul said, adding that this has been litigated twice before.

Raoul said of the verdicts in those cases, “The 10th Amendment protects states against being commandeered by the federal government to do what is the federal government’s work.”

In court filings, the state of Illinois has argued there are no federal laws that compel state or local police to “facilitate or effectuate civil immigration detentions” while underscoring local law enforcement will always comply with federal warrants, separate from detainers.

“Congress’s power to determine who may lawfully be in the United States does not include the power to conscript state and local police as federal immigration agents,” the state has argued.

Raoul said he expects the case to be dismissed.

“There is no state department of immigration enforcement. There is no city department of immigration enforcement,” Raoul told the I-Team. “We’ve accepted for a long time now that that is the job of the federal government.”

Cook County and the city of Chicago have also argued the U.S. has failed to state a claim and the case should be dismissed.

Northern District of Illinois Judge Lindsay Jenkins is expected to make a decision on whether the case moves forward or is dismissed any day now.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Supreme Court blocks Florida immigration law

U.S. Supreme Court Halts Enforcement of Florida’s Immigration Legislation

The Supreme Court blocked Florida’s immigration law, supporting ongoing legal challenges. WASHINGTON…
Funeral held for Marjay Dotson after video shows lifeguard Charles Leto allegedly shoot, kill him at Douglass Park

Funeral for Marjay Dotson takes place following video of lifeguard Charles Leto allegedly shooting him at Douglass Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — A teen shot and killed at a Douglass Park…
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
Iranian flag held aloft by a statue in Tehran, with an anti-Israel billboard in the background.

The UK warns that Iran now presents a serious physical threat to residents, similar to the risk from Russia.

IRAN poses a significant threat to Britain with Tehran’s spies targeting the…
Carol Reith arrested for animal cruelty, 52 dogs rescued from 200 block of Sky Hill Road, Wauconda police say

Wauconda Police Report: Carol Reith Detained for Animal Cruelty; 52 Dogs Rescued on Sky Hill Road

WAUCONDA, Ill. (WLS) — A woman was arrested for animal cruelty after…
LiAngelo Ball files for divorce days after wife's pregnancy reveal

LiAngelo Ball Announces Divorce Shortly After Wife Reveals Pregnancy

LiAngelo Ball initiated divorce proceedings from Rashida Nicole just a week after…
Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic odds, picks, prediction

Odds, predictions, and picks for Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic matchup

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
New Hampshire judge to pause Trump's birthright citizenship order

New Hampshire Judge Halts Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Directive

A federal judge in New Hampshire announced on Thursday that he will…
'General Hospital,' 'The View,' 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' and Anthony Mackie are among the Daytime Emmy Awards nominees.

Daytime Emmy Nominations Include ‘General Hospital,’ ‘The View,’ ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,’ and Anthony Mackie

LOS ANGELES — The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has…
A 60cm-tall mud volcano in Cusco, Peru.

Locals in Peru Discover the ‘World’s Smallest Volcano’ Erupting with Gases and Sludge

A VOLCANO touted as the smallest in the world has been discovered…
Jacksonville dance instructor arrested for sex crime with minor

Jacksonville Dance Teacher Charged with Sexual Offense Involving Minor

Samuel Penalba, 34, is also accused of trying to delete photo and…
Aaron Judge’s game-ending sac fly leads Yankees to stunning comeback win over Mariners

Aaron Judge’s Sacrifice Fly Seals Yankees’ Thrilling Comeback Victory Against Mariners

The Yankees avoided being on the wrong side of history and then…