Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul after the governor signed legislation allowing civil suits against federal law enforcement officers.

The DOJ said House Bill 1312 is unconstitutional and threatens the safety of federal officers.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Steven Weinhoeft said it is unfortunate that Illinois politicians prefer to attack law enforcement with lawsuits and punitive damage.

Weinhoeft said courthouse arrests are only necessary because Illinois refuses to honor federal detainers at jails and prisons.

Sex offender crackdown

The Department of Justice says a federal enforcement effort has led to the arrests of over 293 sexual abuse offenders, including at least five in Illinois, and the location of over 205 child victims.

Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide crackdown from Dec. 3 to 17, led to child pornography trafficking and possession charges against a man in the Central District of Illinois and various charges against four individuals in the Southern District of Illinois.

First rabid dog since ’94

For the first time since 1994, a rabid dog has been identified in the state of Illinois.

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control said the case involved a dog in Chicago that was vaccinated earlier this year. The dog was euthanized for behavioral reasons before testing positive earlier this month.

The source of rabies remains under investigation.