Cook County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans has issued an order prohibiting warrantless civil arrests of individuals attending court proceedings within Chicago-area state courthouses. This directive, effective immediately as of October 15, 2025, aims to ensure that litigants and witnesses can participate in the judicial process without fear of unrelated civil arrest during their attendance.
The order explicitly states: “The fair administration of justice requires that courts remain open and accessible, and that litigants and witnesses may appear without fear of civil arrest.” It reaffirms the common law privilege against civil arrest for individuals attending court proceedings, emphasizing that this protection extends to areas surrounding courthouses, including parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways.
Judge Evans underscored the importance of this measure, stating, “Access to justice depends on every individual’s ability to appear in court without fear or obstruction. Our courthouses remain places where all people—regardless of their background or circumstance—should be able to safely and confidently participate in the judicial process.” ([cookcountycourtil.gov](https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/news/chief-judge-evans-addresses-legal-protection-individuals-attending-court-proceedings?utm_source=openai))
This action comes in response to increased immigration enforcement activities by federal agents near courthouses in the Chicago area. Reports indicate that plain-clothes federal agents in unmarked vehicles have been conducting arrests without providing identification or warrants, leading to concerns that such practices deter individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like domestic violence victims, from attending court proceedings. ([news.wttw.com](https://news.wttw.com/2025/10/15/warrantless-immigration-arrests-banned-cook-county-courthouses-under-new-order?utm_source=openai))
Legal advocacy organizations have been vocal in their support of the order. The MacArthur Justice Center, representing a coalition of legal services organizations, had previously petitioned for such a measure, highlighting that clients were avoiding court appearances due to fear of immigration enforcement. ([macarthurjustice.org](https://www.macarthurjustice.org/cook-county-circuit-court-chief-judge-called-on-to-end-unwarranted-court-arrests/?utm_source=openai))
While the Department of Homeland Security maintains that courthouse arrests are lawful, the order has received broad support from immigration and legal rights groups. This development aligns with a broader national trend, as similar enforcement tactics have faced legal opposition and legislative efforts across the United States. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/a1d9641502d6a97db077c973ec93a6e7?utm_source=openai))
In response to the federal crackdown, Illinois lawmakers, led by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, have pledged to pass resolutions condemning these actions and are considering legislation to limit federal agents’ activities. Governor JB Pritzker has also criticized the use of force by federal agents during protests, including the deployment of tear gas and pepper spray. Community resistance efforts are growing in Chicago, reflecting a concerted effort to protect the rights of individuals attending court proceedings. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/a1d9641502d6a97db077c973ec93a6e7?utm_source=openai))