September 8 Updates
Federal
Federal appeals court rules that there is no “invasion” and therefore the federal govt cannot use the Alien Enemies Act to justify deportations of Venezuelans. Read more from NPR here.
A federal judge ruled on August 29th that this administration’s expansion of expedited removal violates due process rights. Read more from PBS News here.
Judge issued an emergency order over Labor Day weekend halting the deportation of Guatemalan unaccompanied minors.
Read more from ABC news here
Read NIJC’s statement here
NIJC also took part in a Congressional briefing about the unaccompanied minors who were set to be deported. Watch a clip of the briefing in which Lisa Koop speaks on Instagram here.
There are credible fears that the govt is planning a similar attempt to deport Honduran minors as well, so FIRRP has preemptively sued to block the deportations.
Incentives for local police departments to join the 287(g) program have been announced. Starting October 1, the announcement stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will cover the annual salary and benefits of each eligible trained officer, including overtime coverage up to 25% of their annual salary, with funding provided through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
There are currently 958 active agreements across 35 states as of September 5.
DHS is moving to restrict disaster relief agencies and nonprofits who receive federal funding, directing them to not extend any services to undocumented immigrants. This is specifically under the newly updated 2025 fiscal contracts. Read more here.
State (IL)
Federal troops have (as of yet) not been deployed to Chicago, although they are being “readied” to do so. There is no “emergency” in Chicago that warrants federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active-duty military to Illinois or Chicago.
Governor Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and mayors and leaders across the Chicago region have denounced these actions, affirmed our state and local welcoming policies, and are prepared to take legal action.
Governor Pritzker’s Press Release: The State of Illinois Newsroom
Chicago Mayor Johnson Executive Order: Executive Order 2025-6.pdf
Lake County response: Chicago ICE raids: Lake County leaders push back against plans to host immigration agents at Naval Station Great Lakes - ABC7 Chicago
Grassroots effort to oppose military intervention in Chicago: Hands Off Chicago
Local (Chicago)
HUGE turnout on Saturday for the No Trump No Troops protest! Estimates say over 8,000 people attended the downtown action on Saturday evening. Thank you to all who came out!
LOCAL RESOURCES
To report any potential ICE or other federal troops activity in your neighborhood call Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights' Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693.
More legal support hotlines:
Cook County Public Defender’s Arrest Response Hotline: 844-817-4448
Free lawyers to represent people in police custody in Chicago and Cook County.
24/7/365
First Defense Legal Aid Hotline: 800-529-7374
Trauma-informed hotline to find civil rights counsel for police misconduct, report federal law enforcement activity, & get referrals to community & legal resources.
Languages: English & Spanish
24/7/365
GI Rights Hotline: 877-447-4487
Legal support for military members & families.
*NEW* IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline: 855-805-9200
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm
Languages: English & Spanish
Free & confidential
National Lawyers Guild Chicago: 872-465-4244
Free lawyers to represent people arrested during protests or for political activity while in police custody or in court.
KYR Resources for people experiencing homelessness can be found here. Multiple languages available.