Cook County, IL Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Cook County Code § 46-37
- Enacted
- Ord. No. 11-O-73, Sept. 7, 2011
- Scope
- Sheriff and on-duty County personnel
- Detainer stance
- Declined absent written federal cost deal
- Complaint venue
- Sheriff's Office of Professional Review
Summary
Cook County's Sheriff must decline ICE detainer requests countywide unless the federal government agrees in writing to reimburse all compliance costs.
The Sheriff of Cook County shall decline ICE detainer requests unless there is a written agreement with the federal government by which all costs incurred by Cook County in complying with the ICE detainer shall be reimbursed. ... [C]ounty personnel shall not expend their time responding to ICE inquiries or communicating with ICE regarding individuals' incarceration status or release dates while on duty.
Full Breakdown
Cook County Code § 46-37, enacted by Ord. No. 11-O-73 in 2011, bars on-duty County personnel from spending time on ICE detainer compliance, facility access, or status inquiries absent a criminal warrant or an unrelated legitimate law-enforcement purpose. The Sheriff declines detainers unless the federal government signs a written cost-reimbursement agreement. This binds the Sheriff's Office and County personnel countywide, including Chicago residents processed through County jail intake, though it does not control Chicago's own police department, which operates under its separate Municipal Code.
Violations & Fines
Not a fine-based ordinance; a person may file a written complaint with the Sheriff's Office of Professional Review alleging a violation of the detainer policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cook County honor ICE detainer requests?
Can ICE interview people held in Cook County Jail?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois immigration policy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.