Illinois lawmakers demand answers for Rockford courthouse security fence

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D), along with Congressman Eric Sorenson (D-17th), have sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding more information on the security fence erected around the U.S. District Courthouse in Rockford.

Late Friday, a temporary security fence was erected around the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse, at 327 S Church Street, which houses the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The installation took Rockford city leaders by surprise, with the City of Rockford issuing a statement saying, “We recognize that this development may raise concerns or uncertainty within our community. Please know that we are actively seeking more information. As soon as we learn more, we will share updates to keep the community informed and reassured. Your safety remains our top priority.”

“This fence went up without warning or explanation, and Rockford residents deserve to know why. We need to make sure federal actions in our community are transparent, lawful, and respectful of the people who live here.” said Sorensen. 

The letter asks Noem to explain why the fence was installed, what DHS expects to happen there, how much the fence cost, what efforts were made to brief state or local officials, and how long DHS expects the fence to remain in place.

Over the weekend, security fencing was also placed around the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, at 219 South Dearborn Street in Chicago,

In a statement to Eyewitness News, a spokesperson for the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois said that fencing is intended to help those who need to access the courthouse to do so safely.

“The Courthouse remains open and accessible. The District Court Clerk’s Office will be open during normal business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and in-person proceedings will continue as scheduled by the assigned judge.  In Rockford, the designated Freedom of Speech and Expression area is the public space located at the corner of South Church and Cedar Streets. The General Services Administration maintains this area and may require special permitting.”

Chief Judge Virginia Kendall said in the statement that “The United States Marshals Service is responsible for safety at the Roszkowski Courthouse and will work to ensure the safety and security of those who seek assistance from the Court. Maintaining access to the courthouse for anyone who seeks redress remains a top priority of the court. It is a core principle to promote our rule of law.”

On Monday, DHS announced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be launching “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago, to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets.”

According to ICE, undocumented immigrants arrested as part of the nationwide effort had criminal histories, including sexual assault, robbery, drug and weapons charges, and domestic violence, the agency said.

The spokesperson said those arrested and subject to deportation proceedings will not be brought before a judge in the Northern District of Illinois.

In a press release on Monday, DHS listed ten undocumented individuals with criminal records who were apprehended in Illinois but released when local jails even after ICE had sent detainer requests to those institutions.

The TRUST Act, signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) in 2017, prevents state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara spoke at a protest rally on Sunday, calling the installation of the fence “performative by Trump.”