Judge Orders Potential release of hundreds of Immigration detainees in Illinois
CHICAGO – Hundreds of immigration enforcement detainees from Illinois could be released,a federal judge said on November 12,stating that it is highly unlikely they are involved in serious criminal activity as claimed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings issued the oral ruling in federal court in Chicago following court filings alleging the arrests were unlawful. The ruling, nearly two months into President Donald Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz, could led to the release of many individuals detained during the recent immigration enforcement crackdown.
Attorneys at the ACLU of Illinois are seeking to enforce a 2022 agreement Homeland Security officials made with the court, limiting the types of arrests ICE can make in the Chicago area.This agreement is known as a consent decree.
The consent decree restricts arrests made without a warrant or during vehicle stops. At least 13 immigration enforcement detainees are expected to be released on November 14. Approximately 600 more could be ordered released on November 21. Attorneys representing the detainees aim to determine if all those detained during Midway Blitz were lawfully held.
Key Takeaways
- A federal judge is considering the release of hundreds of immigration detainees in Illinois.
- The judge questioned ICE’s claims that detainees are hazardous criminals.
- The case centers on a 2022 consent decree limiting ICE’s arrest powers in the Chicago area.
- Releases are expected to begin November 14, with a larger group potentially released November 21.