Federal authorities have sent subpoenas to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart concerning inmates wanted for civil immigration enforcement. According to the Sheriff’s office, the subpoenas came with letters threatening criminal charges if the individuals were not turned over. The New York Times first reported about these letters, seeing it as the Trump administration’s attempt to gain jail access in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The Times also noted that similar letters were sent to Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt. Witt characterized the letters as a ‘scare tactic,’ in light of increased federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, following ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ Dart’s office confirmed that the letters threatened to charge him with witness tampering. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment.
Despite the letters, any criminal charges are unlikely to hold up in court. This incident adds to the ongoing conflict over federal immigration enforcement in Illinois, a state targeted by the Trump administration over policies that restrict local law enforcement from participating in civil immigration matters.
Dart’s office confirmed receiving two letters alongside the subpoenas, though one of the inmates had already been released upon receipt. The second subpoena required the individual to attend an interview at a federal agency’s office. It requested that the Sheriff’s Office either allow the attendee to visit the agency or ensure they are taken there post-release.
However, Illinois state law forbids sheriff’s personnel from releasing individuals in custody to law enforcement or federal agencies for interviews. The Sheriff’s Office stated, ‘We cannot hand over individuals to federal agents or any law enforcement for interviews upon release.’
President Trump has criticized Governor JB Pritzker and local officials for sanctuary laws that stop Dart’s office from transferring inmates to federal immigration agencies without a criminal warrant or court order. The Trump administration frequently criticized local corrections agencies for ignoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests. Nonetheless, both the Cook County Sheriff’s office and the Illinois Department of Corrections have clarified that state law bars them from aiding federal immigration enforcement.
In 2025, the Trump administration sued Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago due to their sanctuary policies, describing the laws as an obstacle to federal immigration officers. However, the case was dismissed by a federal judge later that year.
Legal experts and immigration advocates argue that sanctuary policies help police maintain community trust, which is crucial for addressing public safety. Enacted in 2017, the Illinois TRUST Act aims to enhance community trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Chicago’s journey to sanctuary city status dates back decades. In March 1985, Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order that reinforced Chicago’s standing as a sanctuary city.