‘No One Is Above the Law’: Illinois Sues ICE and Kristi Noem
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois officials have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of engaging in unlawful activities during immigration enforcement operations across the state.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the City of Chicago, is supported publicly by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. The complaint alleges federal agents violated Illinois law by swapping or altering license plates on government vehicles to obscure their identities during enforcement actions.
State officials say tampering with license plates is illegal under Illinois law and poses public safety risks by obstructing vehicle identification in traffic incidents, crimes, or emergencies.
Giannoulias said his office began investigating the issue after receiving hundreds of tips through the state’s “Plate Watch” program, which tracks suspicious or unlawful vehicle activity. His office confirmed at least one instance of a plate swap involving a federally operated vehicle.
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“This is about safety,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “No one is above the law, and license plate tampering will not be tolerated in Illinois.”
Beyond the plate issue, the lawsuit accuses federal authorities of using militarized tactics during immigration operations, including arrests near schools and public buildings, biometric surveillance, and actions the state says undermine local law enforcement and community trust.
Illinois has been a sanctuary state since 2017, limiting cooperation between state agencies and federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions with the Trump administration, which has ramped up immigration raids in several major cities.
DHS officials have rejected the claims, arguing federal agents are lawfully enforcing immigration laws and accusing Illinois leaders of obstructing public safety efforts.
The case adds to a growing number of legal clashes nationwide over immigration enforcement and could become a key test of state versus federal authority.
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