Illinois Attorney General Urged to Investigate TRUST Act Violations by BGA

Concerns Rise Over Potential TRUST Act Violations in Illinois

Springfield,IL – October 1,2025 – A growing controversy is unfolding in Illinois as allegations surface regarding potential breaches of the Illinois TRUST Act by local law enforcement officials. The Better Government Association (BGA) has issued a formal call for Illinois Attorney General kwame Raoul to launch a complete investigation into the matter.

Sheriff Cooperation with ICE Under Scrutiny

The BGA’s demand stems from reports indicating that certain county sheriffs may be collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in ways that contravene the stipulations of the TRUST Act. Specifically, concerns have been raised about the transfer of individuals in county custody to ICE detention, and in one instance, the existence of a contract facilitating future ICE detentions.

Adams County Sheriff tony Grootens is at the center of the controversy. Reports from August 18th, 2025, detailed his transfer of at least two individuals into ICE custody. Furthermore, the Adams County Jail reportedly has an agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service that grants ICE access to utilize the jail for detention purposes. Earlier reports, dating back to July 18th, indicate Sheriff Grootens openly acknowledged cooperating with ICE, stating they had transferred undocumented immigrants to ICE custody.

The issue extends beyond Adams County. According to reports from September 29th, two additional sheriffs – Shannon Bradley of Gallatin County and Jerry Suits of Pope County – indicated a willingness to assist ICE, even if it meant disregarding the requirements of the TRUST Act. The BGA has noted it has not independently verified this details.

attorney General’s Response and BGA’s Concerns

Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a brief statement on August 27th, emphasizing that sheriffs, as sworn officers, are expected to uphold the law. Though, critics argue that this response lacks the urgency required to address the alleged violations.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office has indicated they are in interaction with Sheriff Grootens’ office, but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the situation.

Understanding the Illinois TRUST act

Enacted by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by former Governor Bruce Rauner, the TRUST Act aims to limit the cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and ICE. The Act seeks to protect communities by ensuring that local resources are not diverted to enforce federal immigration laws.

Key Provisions of the TRUST Act

Provision	Description
Detainer Restrictions	Limits the ability of law enforcement to honor ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.
Information Sharing	Restricts the sharing of personal information with ICE, except in limited circumstances.
Cooperation Prohibition	Prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in ICE investigations or enforcement actions.

“The reported actions of Sheriff Grootens and the potential non-compliance of other sheriffs are deeply troubling,” stated Bryan Zarou, Vice President of Policy at The better Government Association. “Accountability, transparency, and equity are foundational principles of good governance, and we urge the Attorney General to swiftly resolve this matter.”

Immigration Policy Landscape in the U.S.

The debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement is a national issue. Several states and cities have adopted similar “sanctuary” policies aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while others have taken steps to increase collaboration. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of early 2024, over 300 cities and counties had some form of sanctuary policies in place. (Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)

Frequently Asked Questions About the TRUST Act

Do you think the Attorney general will take swift action to address these concerns? how important is local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What specific actions did the BGA examination reveal law enforcement agencies were taking that violate the Illinois TRUST Act?

What is the Illinois TRUST Act?

the illinois TRUST Act (Openness and Responsibility in Using State tools) – officially Illinois House Bill 3447 – was signed into law in 2021. This landmark legislation aims to restrict Illinois law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, it prevents state and local police from detaining individuals solely based on a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer request, unless a warrant is presented. The core principle behind the TRUST Act is to build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging reporting of crimes without fear of deportation for minor offenses. Key provisions include:

* Warrant Requirement: Law enforcement must have a valid judicial warrant before honoring ICE detainers.

* Data Collection & Reporting: Agencies are required to collect and report data on immigration-related requests and actions.

* Prohibition of Information Sharing: Limits the sharing of personal information with ICE without a warrant.

* Due Process Protections: Reinforces due process rights for all Illinois residents.

BGA’s Investigation and allegations

The Better Government Association (BGA), a Chicago-based non-profit investigative journalism organization, recently released findings alleging widespread violations of the illinois TRUST Act by numerous law enforcement agencies across the state. Their investigation, spanning several months, revealed instances where police departments allegedly:

* Honored ICE Detainers Without Warrants: Detaining individuals based solely on ICE requests, bypassing the warrant requirement stipulated by the TRUST Act.

* Failed to Report Data: Not fulfilling the mandated data collection and reporting requirements regarding immigration-related requests.

* Improper Information Sharing: Sharing personal information with ICE without proper legal authorization.

The BGA report highlights specific cases and patterns of non-compliance, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the TRUST Act and the potential for unjust detentions and deportations. The BGA’s findings are based on public records requests, interviews with affected individuals, and analysis of police department policies.

Why the Call for an Attorney General Investigation?

The BGA has formally urged Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to launch a thorough investigation into these alleged TRUST Act violations. The rationale behind this request centers on several key points:

* Enforcement Gap: The BGA argues that the current lack of robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms allows these violations to persist unchecked.

* Erosion of Trust: Continued violations undermine the basic purpose of the TRUST Act – to foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

* Civil Rights Concerns: Unlawful detentions based on ICE detainers raise serious civil rights concerns and potentially violate due process rights.

* Accountability: An Attorney General investigation is seen as a crucial step towards holding accountable law enforcement agencies that are allegedly failing to comply with state law.

Potential consequences of TRUST Act Violations

Violations of the Illinois TRUST Act can have notable consequences for both individuals and law enforcement agencies.

* For Individuals: Wrongful detentions can lead to missed work, family separation, legal fees, and the trauma of potential deportation.

* For Agencies: Potential legal challenges, loss of state funding, and reputational damage. Furthermore, agencies could face lawsuits from individuals who have been unlawfully detained.

* Civil Penalties: The TRUST Act allows for civil penalties against agencies found to be in violation.

What Happens Next? The Attorney General’s Role

The Illinois Attorney General’s office has the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct by law enforcement agencies. The scope of a potential investigation could include:

1. Reviewing Police Department Policies: Examining policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the TRUST Act.
2. Auditing Data Reporting: Verifying the accuracy and completeness of data submitted by law enforcement agencies.
3. Interviewing Witnesses: Gathering testimony from individuals who have been affected by alleged violations.
4. Issuing Subpoenas: Compelling the production of documents and records.
5. Negotiating Compliance Agreements: Working with agencies to implement corrective measures.
6. Filing Lawsuits: Pursuing legal action against agencies found to be in violation.

Resources and Further Information

* Illinois TRUST Act (HB 3447): https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3447&GA=102&SessionID=111

* Better Government Association (BGA): https://www.bgainc.org/

* Illinois Attorney General’s Office: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/

* American Civil Liberties union of Illinois: https://www.aclu-il.org/

Related Search Terms

* Illinois immigration law

* ICE detainer policies

* Sanctuary state laws

* Police accountability Illinois

* Immigrant rights Illinois

* Due process rights

* Civil