Illinois sheriffs are voicing frustration with state sanctuary laws that prevent them from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying the restrictions endanger officers, communities, and undermine public safety.
A survey conducted by Capitol News Illinois found that more than two-thirds of sheriffs who responded want the state’s immigration limits repealed or revised. Many described safety concerns caused by blocking routine jail transfers to ICE, forcing federal agents to arrest dangerous illegal aliens in neighborhoods instead of secure facilities.
“It’s much safer… that ICE would be able to take that individual from a jail area rather than trying to find them in public,” said Putnam County Sheriff Joshua Boedigheimer. Coles County Sheriff Kent Martin warned the restrictions “could lead to somebody getting hurt.”
Adams County Sheriff Anthony Grootens stated that sheriffs are “obligated” to cooperate with federal law and confirmed that his office has transferred individuals to ICE this year. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard Sr. expressed support for ICE’s mission and said he hopes lawmakers or the courts will overturn Illinois’ sanctuary laws so local agencies can help remove violent criminals.
The Illinois TRUST Act (2017) and Illinois Way Forward Act (2021), signed by Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, prohibit sheriffs from honoring ICE detainers or granting ICE access to jails absent a federal criminal warrant. Critics argue that the laws shield illegal aliens from removal and create chaos for federal operations.
“I believe that all law enforcement should be able to cooperate with federal law,” said McDonough County Sheriff Nicholas Petitgout. “For the state of Illinois to tell us that we can’t help them with this specific topic, I don’t agree with it.”
Despite Attorney General Kwame Raoul insisting the laws are constitutional, sheriffs across the state continue to push back. Many say they can work with federal authorities on drugs, guns, and homicide cases but are blocked when it comes to illegal aliens with violent criminal records.
ICE has repeatedly warned that sanctuary policies allow dangerous offenders back on the streets. Illinois sheriffs now join a growing chorus calling for repeal of sanctuary restrictions so they can do their jobs and cooperate with federal law enforcement to protect their communities.
