ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Democratic Illinois lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, demanding answers about the sudden installation of a fence around the federal courthouse in Rockford.
On Sept. 5, the Department of Homeland Security set up a fence around Rockford’s federal courthouse. (wifr)
In the letter dated Sept. 8, sent by 17th District Congressman Eric Sorensen, along with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, lawmakers ask DHS for details about the purpose of the fencing, how much it cost, how long it will stay in place and whether local or state officials were notified ahead of time.
Friday night, city leaders said they were aware the federal government was installing a “temporary security fence around the courthouse building in Rockford.”
Fence put up around United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois(WIFR)
“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 Rep. Sorensen in a news release.
The letter comes as the Department of Homeland Security launched the start of a new immigration operation Monday in Chicago, dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.“
“This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor (JB) Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” said a statement from DHS.
“As President Trump continues to wrongly hyper-fixate on deploying the military to Chicago, his Administration is now ramping up its campaign to arrest hardworking immigrants with no criminal convictions.
“These actions don’t make us safer. They are a waste of money, stoke fear, and represent another failed attempt at a distraction.
“To the hardworking immigrant families who are now scared to send your children to school, go to the hospital, or report crimes to the police: we stand with you. Please know that a majority of Americans do not support these anti-immigrant actions by the Trump Administration. While the President exhibits disdain for immigrants, Chicago embraces them as family who help make our economy thrive and our city strong.”
Illinois Rep. Darin LaHood also released a statement about the start of “Operation Midway Blitz” and fences installed around the federal courthouse:
“Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson refuse to abandon the failed sanctuary policies that have led to numerous tragedies across our state and cost Illinois taxpayers billions of dollars,” said Rep. LaHood.
“The Trump Administration and Republicans are committed to respecting and restoring the rule of law and prioritizing the safety of our communities. As DHS works to responsibly uphold federal law, it is critical that our federal buildings across Illinois remain safe and continue to serve their communities without disruption.”
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