### Cook County Judge's Order Aims to Protect Court Attendees from ICE Arrests Amid Immigration Crackdown - In a significant move, Cook County's top judge has signed an order prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from arresting individuals at courthouses. This decision comes in response to a growing federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area, where ICE has been actively detaining residents outside courthouses, leading to protests and fears among community members. The order, effective immediately, aims to protect "parties, witnesses, or potential witnesses" attending court proceedings from civil arrests, including those occurring in courthouses, parking lots, and surrounding areas [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/county-judge-in-chicago-bars-ice-arresting-people-at-court-10309652][https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/oct/16/illinois-judge-blocks-ice-arrests-at-courts][https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-ice-immigration-court-arresting-a1d9641502d6a97db077c973ec93a6e7]. ### Overview of the Order and Its Implications 1. **Judicial Action**: The order was signed by Cook County's chief judge and is a direct response to the increasing presence of ICE agents at courthouses, which has created a "chilling effect" on individuals seeking legal recourse [https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/14/top-cook-county-judge-bars-civil-arrests-at-courthouses-citing-chilling-effect]. 2. **Scope of the Ban**: The order explicitly prohibits civil arrests of any individuals involved in court proceedings, including witnesses and parties, thereby extending protections to those who might otherwise avoid court due to fear of detention [https://www.world-today-news.com/title-cook-county-blocks-ice-arrests-at-courthouses-amid-immigration-crackdown]. 3. **Community Response**: Legal aid organizations and public defenders have advocated for this order, highlighting the need for a safe environment for individuals to engage with the legal system without the threat of arrest [https://fox32chicago.com/news/cook-county-judge-blocks-ice-arrests-courthouses-immigration]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Recent Trends**: The order comes amid a broader context of heightened immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, where ICE has been reported to station agents outside courthouses for weeks, leading to public outcry and protests [https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-ice-immigration-court-arresting-a1d9641502d6a97db077c973ec93a6e7]. - **Impact on Court Attendance**: Legal representatives have noted that many clients have been avoiding court due to fears of being detained, which this order seeks to alleviate [https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/14/top-cook-county-judge-bars-civil-arrests-at-courthouses-citing-chilling-effect]. - **Public Sentiment**: The community response has been largely supportive, with many viewing the order as a necessary step to ensure access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/oct/16/illinois-judge-blocks-ice-arrests-at-courts]. ### Conclusion: A Step Towards Justice and Safety in Cook County - **Key Findings**: 1. The Cook County judge's order represents a significant legal barrier against ICE's enforcement tactics at courthouses, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/county-judge-in-chicago-bars-ice-arresting-people-at-court-10309652]. 2. By prohibiting civil arrests, the order seeks to restore trust in the judicial system and encourage individuals to participate in legal proceedings without fear [https://fox32chicago.com/news/cook-county-judge-blocks-ice-arrests-courthouses-immigration]. 3. The community and legal advocates view this as a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of all individuals, particularly in light of recent immigration enforcement trends [https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-ice-immigration-court-arresting-a1d9641502d6a97db077c973ec93a6e7]. This order marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about immigration enforcement and access to justice in the United States, particularly in urban areas like Chicago.