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Illinois lawmakers pass bill banning ICE immigration arrests near courthouses

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Illinois lawmakers pass bill banning ICE immigration arrests near courthouses

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Illinois lawmakers passed a bill on Friday prohibiting federal agents from making immigration arrests near courthouses.

The measure also allows lawsuits when people believe their constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration arrests.

The legislation, approved largely along party lines, was sent to Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk. His office said he supports the idea and will review the proposal when it reaches his desk.

According to the bill, civil damages for false imprisonment could be imposed when a migrant attending a court hearing or appearing as a party or witness to a legal proceeding is arrested.

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BLUE CITY JUDGE CITES ‘FEAR OR OBSTRUCTION’ IN BLOCKING ICE COURTHOUSE ARRESTS DURING COURT PROCEEDINGS

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill on Friday prohibiting federal agents from making immigration arrests near courthouses. (Christopher Dilts/Getty Images)

Supporters of the bill say courts must be accessible to everyone to seek resolutions to violations of their rights, but even one of the measure’s top sponsors acknowledges it will face an uphill battle in court.

“It’s not just about the constitutionality of the law, which I think is sound, but it’s the reality that the courts are stacked against us,” Democrat Senate President Don Harmon said. “The federal government can try to remove it from state courts to federal courts. They can try to substitute the government itself for the individual defendants, but that’s not a reason not to try.”

Earlier this month, a judge in Cook County, which includes Chicago, issued an order blocking immigration arrests at county courthouses, citing concerns about “fear or obstruction” while migrants attend court proceedings. The order prohibits immigration authorities from making civil arrests of any “party, witness, or potential witness” during court appearances.

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The federal government, however, contended that “there are no legal sanctuaries where you can hide and avoid the consequences for breaking the law.”

The measure allows lawsuits when people believe their constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration arrests. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The Trump administration’s immigration agenda aims to detain suspected illegal migrants as part of the president’s mass deportation policies. But witnesses have reported numerous incidents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detaining people regardless of citizenship or legal status.

“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking their freedom,” said Democrat state Sen. Celina Villanueva, who is co-sponsoring the bill. “Courthouses must be places where people can resolve disputes, testify and support loved ones, not sites of fear or intimidation.”

The measure also requires hospitals, day care centers and higher education institutions to create policies detailing how they would handle immigration agents inside their facilities.

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Earlier this year, the federal government reversed a Biden administration policy prohibiting immigration arrests in sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools and churches.

Other states have made similar efforts to protect migrants against federal raids.

FEDERAL JUDGE LIMITS ICE ARRESTS WITHOUT WARRANT, PROBABLE CAUSE

The legislation, approved largely along party lines, was sent to Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

California has restricted immigration enforcement action in courthouses since 2017. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state cannot control federal immigration action, but “the state has a responsibility to provide safe and secure access to court facilities to all residents regardless of immigration status.”

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In Connecticut, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Raheem Mullins issued a policy in September banning warrantless arrests inside state courts, and prohibited the use of face coverings, often worn by ICE officers to shield their identities, in judicial buildings.

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“Judges, staff, litigants, members of the public, they all must be able to conduct their business in our courthouses without fear of disruption,” Mullins said.

Other bills introduced by various local governments and Congress also seek to ban face coverings for immigration agents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Milwaukee, WI

Squire Robinson leads a new generation of Milwaukee artists with his distinctly bold style

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Squire Robinson leads a new generation of Milwaukee artists with his distinctly bold style


In a cavernous attic studio stands Squire Robinson. 

A painting titled “Her Love” by Squire Robinson.

Next to him on the ground is an unfinished painting of his. Hung above him are numerous paintings that he’s finished in the past year.

The walls are filled with works of art, crafted by the various artists who also call 100% MKE, a nonprofit arts studio and workspace at 217 N. Broadway, home. 

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Robinson’s art doesn’t just stand among them – it stands out.

Maybe it’s the saturated reds that prevail in each of his pieces.

Maybe it’s the bold strokes that create the even bolder figures that call his paintings home.

Either way, Robinson’s art has a tangible effect for those with the eyes to see.

“Sometimes the most important piece of art is that you feel. His art makes you feel,” Richard Badger Jr. said. Badger, who goes by the artist name Coyote Rich, is also an artist in residence at 100% MKE.

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A painting titled “Solitude” by Squire Robinson.

Robinson first fell in love with art through his grandfather, who painted signs for corner stores. Early memories of drawing contests with his grandfather enchanted Squire into the art world. 

Later, Robinson drew comics and superhero characters, foreshadowing the powerful figures he paints today. 

“My style has always been there, it’s just evolution, it grows and changes,” Robinson said. 

Robinson, a 2024 graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, has always had a certain fascination with Renaissance-era paintings.

Yet despite his appreciation of the style, something was missing. 

“I appreciated the technique and skill, but I just couldn’t really relate to it,” Robinson said. 

For him, the lack of diversity made the style feel distant.

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Black culture in art

Now, Robinson’s style flows through the powerful Black people he paints. 

“I took some of that flavor and remixed it to something that is more me,” Robinson said. “My inspiration comes from Black culture, music and my dreams.”

Two of Robinson’s paintings, titled “4 Deep” (left) and “The Thinker” (right), hang on a wall at 100% MKE.

Robinson’s own personality is vehemently present in each of his pieces. 

“His art has a very strong personality behind it,” said Nelle Speerschneider, a co-founding board member of 100% MKE.

By the end of a lengthy creative process, Robinson’s pieces are saturated with color and shapes that make viewers stop and stare. For Robinson, that’s the goal. 

“To me, good art is when you can just stare at it and sit with it and think,” Robinson said. “If you see my work and walk right past it, then I didn’t do something right.”

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A sketch and painting supplies belonging to Squire Robinson sit on a table.
A painting titled “Cupid’s Wrath” by Squire Robinson.

Music and the flow state

Robinson said when he is met with a blank canvas, he doesn’t begin with a person or a setting; he starts with the mood. Then, with the help of music, he lets his art flow. 

“I don’t try to contain the style, it’s just all me,” Robinson said.

Music is a big deal for Robinson. So much so that he can’t paint without it. Robinson’s taste in music, from classical and jazz to his love for Kendrick Lamar, seeps into his art. 

“Squire’s art makes me feel like music,” Badger said. 

Robinson said music helps him loosen up and get out of a funk. 

“It helps me escape and enter that flow state,” Robinson said. 

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He said music supports his ethereal creative process. 

“Sometimes when I paint, I feel like I’m being guided by something higher than me,” Robinson said.

Squire Robinson lays out a mockup of a future painting on a canvas at 100% MKE on June 17.

Milwaukee made

As a young figure in the Milwaukee art scene, Robinson wears the city on his sleeve. 

“Growing up in Milwaukee made me hard in the sense of staying true to myself,” Robinson said. 

At 100% MKE, Robinson offers a unique voice. “It’s nice to have his youthful and urban take in the studio,” Speerschneider said. 

Badger said young artists like Robinson are vital for pushing the scene forward. 

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“They’re the driving force of what Milwaukee looks and feels like,” he said.

A smaller painting by Squire Robinson sits on a windowsill.
A smaller painting by Squire Robinson sits on a windowsill.
A smaller painting by Squire Robinson sits on a windowsill.

Future goals

Going forward, Robinson wants to become an art therapist, someone who uses the medium of art to process emotional challenges. 

“Art has always been a way to self-express and get my own feelings out,” Robinson said. “That’s why the tone of my paintings matters the most, because those feelings are what I’m trying to evoke.”

As for his art career, Robinson says his finest work is yet to come. 

“I haven’t created my best one yet.”

Squire Robinson poses for a portrait in front of a couple of his paintings at 100% MKE on June 17.


Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

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Indianapolis, IN

INDOT to close ramps connecting Interstate 65 and Raymond Street in Indianapolis

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INDOT to close ramps connecting Interstate 65 and Raymond Street in Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is planning to close a few ramps connecting Interstate 65 and Raymond Street on the south side of Indianapolis later this month.

According to a release, the ramp from northbound I-65 to Raymond Street is due to close. The ramp ties I-65 northbound to both eastbound and westbound Raymond Street.

A ramp from westbound Raymond Street to I-65 northbound will also be shut down.

INDOT reported that the closures will allow crews to reconstruct the ramps with new asphalt. The closures will go into effect on July 24 around 6 a.m. The ramps are slated to reopen in October.

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Traffic shift in downtown Indianapolis

In addition to the I-65 ramp closures, INDOT has also announced traffic shifts on Interstates 70 and 65 near downtown Indianapolis. The shifts are part of pavement improvements that are being made to portions of I-65 and I-70 between Fletcher Avenue and Washington Street.

Once the traffic shift is in place, northbound I-65 will be separated by a work zone and a barrier wall. The new pattern will force drivers who want to continue north on I-65 to keep left. Drivers aiming to exit for Washington Street will need to keep right before Fletcher Avenue.

Lane and ramp restrictions will be implemented when crews implement the shift. INDOT is expected to provide additional information on the timelines associated with the shifts next week.

While construction is ongoing, the speed limit on I-65 will be reduced to 45 mph.

The ramp closures and traffic shifts are both part of INDOT’s I-65 Safety and Efficiency project. The goal of the initiative is to replace pavement and add additional lanes along the interstate. Officials believe the project will help increase interstate capacity and improve pedestrian and traffic safety in the area.

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Cleveland, OH

Crews respond to 10-inch water main break in Cleveland; possible sinkhole reported

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Crews respond to 10-inch water main break in Cleveland; possible sinkhole reported


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A massive water main break and a possible sinkhole was reported in Cleveland Monday afternoon.

A 19 News crew is on scene at the intersection of E 130th Street and Buckeye Road for the possible reported sinkhole and a water main break.

According to the Cleveland Division of Water, the break on Buckeye Road is a 10-inch water main and a repair crew is on the way.

The water has been shut off, but the area remains closed due to the debris and for cleanup.

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19 News has made call outs to officials for more information.

Sinkhole reported in Cleveland, crews on scene(Source: WOIO)

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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