Federal raids intensify in Chicago amid deadly incident and public outcry

Federal agents expand immigration raids in Chicago. Hands Off Chicago poll shows majority of residents oppose federal immigration enforcement in the city.

by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - The federal government is significantly ramping up immigration enforcement in the Chicago area as a specialized federal law enforcement team arrived in Chicago on Tuesday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino posted a video on social media announcing his specialized team has arrived in Chicago to “continue the mission we started in Los Angeles.”

Kristi Noem in Chicago with ICE — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks with one of two men being processed by Homeland Security officials during a visit to Springfield on May 7, 2025.

At the same time, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video of herself participating in an early morning immigration raid reportedly at a house in Elgin , where the Chicago Tribune reported an American citizen was briefly detained. “President Trump has been clear: if politicians will not put the safety of their citizens first, this administration will,” Noem said in a statement. “I was on the ground in Chicago today to make clear we are not backing down.”

The enhanced immigration enforcement began earlier this month and has been dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while Bovino said he is leading a separate CBP plan called “Operation At Large.” It’s not clear what, if any, difference there is between the operations.

The operations have not been strictly limited to Chicago. Residents have reported seeing federal agents in several suburbs. How long the operations will last also remains unclear. Illinois officials say they have been left almost entirely in the dark about federal agents’ work.

Gov. JB Pritzker said federal officials are not communicating with Illinois law enforcement groups, which he argued is making their work more dangerous.

“When they (local law enforcement) see skirmishes going on, they don't know if those are real ICE officials, especially if they're wearing masks and in unmarked cars and aren't carrying or showing their identification,” Pritzker said Tuesday.

Illinois law prohibits law enforcement from participating in civil immigration enforcement, but it does not outright ban communication between state and federal agencies.

Tense encounters

DHS’ work has already turned deadly after an ICE agent shot and killed a man last week in Franklin Park. The undocumented man, who CBS News reported has no criminal history beyond traffic violations, allegedly tried to flee from ICE agents during a traffic stop and struck and dragged an agent in the process, causing serious injury, according to DHS. Federal authorities said that prompted an agent to shoot and kill the man.

DHS has released little information about the shooting, prompting calls for answers by state leaders. Pritzker pointed out Monday that Illinois law enforcement agencies would have already released substantial information and began investigations had the incident been an officer-involved shooting.

“This is the most unusual situation I’ve seen in my entire lifetime where we have no transparency and the federal government is not policing itself,” Pritzker said Monday.

Trump had previously backed off sending the Guard to Chicago because Pritzker refused to ask the president for a deployment.

Some public officials have directly confronted DHS agents. State Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, posted a video Monday showing her approaching masked federal agents in SUVs in a West Chicago neighborhood. Villa, a candidate for comptroller, was seen running down the street telling people to hide in their homes.

Crowds have also gathered in protest outside a Broadview detention facility where ICE is holding people in custody. The protests have occasionally devolved into skirmishes with ICE tactical teams as protesters have blocked entries and exits into the facility.

The Hands Off Chicago coalition of groups opposing ICE and National Guard soldiers in Chicago released a poll Wednesday showing Chicagoans largely oppose the Trump administration’s immigration tactics. The poll conductedlast week by Public Policy Polling of 582 registered Chicago voters found 66% oppose federal immigration enforcement and 73% believe President Donald Trump is threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago for political reasons.

Trump reconsidering National Guard

After initially backing off sending the National Guard to Chicago in favor of an apparent crime-focused mission in Memphis, Trump has again pledged that Chicago will be the next city to see a National Guard deployment.

Trump had previously backed off sending the Guard to Chicago because Pritzker refused to ask the president for a deployment, but Trump now says he will do it anyway. The Constitution places significant limits on the federal government to send the U.S. military into a city for police action without a request by the governor or mayor.

State leaders have encouraged people protesting immigration enforcement to remain peaceful ...

Pritzker told reporters Tuesday he is done trying to guess what Trump will do as the pair continues to exchange barbs through TV cameras.

“I think he might be suffering from some dementia,” Pritzker said. “You know, the next day he'll wake up on the other side of the bed and stop talking about Chicago. So I've never really counted on anything that he said as real.”

State leaders have encouraged people protesting immigration enforcement to remain peaceful as they fear Trump will use any skirmishes with law enforcement as justification to deploy the National Guard.

Meanwhile, immigration advocacy groups are encouraging residents to know their rights, such as what types of warrants require them to open the door to police, and their right to an attorney if detained.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

TAGGED: Chicago immigration raids, ICE operations Chicago, Trump immigration Chicago, DHS enforcement Chicago, National Guard Chicago deployment

Photo Gallery |
Urbana & Central play season flag football opener

Urbana hosted Champaign Central in a historic girls flag football season opener, with the Maroons earning the program’s first win on the road.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Just'Us Jones tries to throw a pass over Central's Juliana Balogh. The Tigers fell in their season opener 30-6 to the visiting Maroons. Jones, a sophomore, completed two passes for 17 yards and carried the ball five times for 41 yards.

Londyn Grant runs for Central

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Londyn Grant runs the ball for the Maroons.

Sarah Donahoe grabs flag of Just'Us Jones

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central's Sarah Donahoe grabs the flag of Tigers' Just'Us Jones during first-half action.

Honor Dillon attempts a catch

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Tigers' Honor Dillon tries to haul in a pass between Maroons' Shanley Davis and Halle Youse.

Molly Kloeppel throws a pass

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central junior Molly Kloeppel throws a pass during the first half of the Maroons' first flag football game in school history.

Baylee Russell and Azaiah Braxton celebrate

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Baylee Russell and Azaiah Braxton celebrate a big play in the second half.

Jones throws under pressure

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Just'Us Jones tries to unload a pass before Samara McArthur can get in for the sack.

Jones pressured by defense

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Under heavy pressure from the Maroons' defense, Just'Us Jones looks to throw before Kara Ficek and Juliana Balogh close in.

Honor Dillon runs the ball

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Honor Dillon runs the ball between Central's Rita Grant and Halle Youse in the second half.

Haley Helm throws a pass

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central junior Haley Helm concentrates on unloading a pass to move the ball downfield.

Honor Dillon leaps past defender

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Tiger's Honor Dillon leaps past a Central defender in the fourth quarter. Dillon carried 11 times for 117 yards.

Honor Dillon runs 37 yards

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Honor Dillon races downfield untouched for a first down on a 37-yard run.

Serenity Moore runs the ball

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central freshman Serenity Moore runs the ball in the fourth quarter.

Central celebrates first win

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Maroon players celebrate the program's first flag football victory after defeating Urbana 30-6.

Bipartisan experts agree: Climate change poses security and economic risks

Fifty-eight admirals and generals, along with 3,600 economists, press leaders to confront climate change with urgency and bipartisan resolve.

by Terry Hansen
Guest Commentary

When it comes to climate change, many competing voices can be hard to sort through. But some of the clearest guidance has come from those who know the stakes best.

Fifty-eight former U.S. national security leaders, including 35 admirals and generals, sent a letter on climate change to President Donald Trump during his first term. This extraordinary letter states: “Climate change is real, it is happening now, it is driven by humans, and it is accelerating.” These senior military and national security leaders also assert that “climate change is a direct threat to the national security of the United States,” and that addressing it should be seen “as a threat reduction issue, not a political one.”

Meanwhile, over 3,600 economists, including 28 Nobel Prize-winners and top economic advisers to presidents of both parties, have endorsed a plan to fight climate change. Their “Economists' Statement on Carbon Dividends" advocates putting a consistently rising price on carbon dioxide emissions and returning the money to the American people.

This statement concludes that the price signal will encourage technological innovation and steer our economy toward a low-carbon future. Returning the revenue to households will shield consumers from rising energy prices, and “the majority of families, including the most vulnerable, will benefit financially.” A border carbon adjustment would protect U.S. competitiveness and encourage other nations to adopt their own carbon pricing systems.

When the admirals, generals, and Nobel economists are saying the same thing, the message is simple: act now.

Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change. He lives in Milwaukee, WI.

Harper, Cler shine as St. Joseph-Ogden soccer stays perfect at 12-0

The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in Illinois Class 1A for the first time. Their 12-0 season has featured 10 shutouts and an 82-6 scoring margin.

FARMER CITY - The moment was years in the making, and St. Joseph-Ogden made sure to rise to it. For the first time in program history, when the Spartans stepped onto the field this week, they did so as the No. 1 ranked team in Illinois Class 1A boys soccer. Highly deserving of the recognition, SJO's domination on the pitch continued with a win over Blue Ridge yesterday.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Looking to send the ball to an open teammate, Spartans' Buddy Stevens keeps the ball away from Urbana University's Jax Taylor during his team's home match in August. This week, St. Joseph-Ogden plays grueling five-match schedule from the top of the Class 1A rankings.

Behind four goals from junior Zach Harper and a hat trick from Hunter Cler, SJO powered past Knights 9-0 on the road, stretching their unbeaten season to 12-0 and keeping their storybook run alive.

Harper got down to business early, connecting twice in the first half on pinpoint feeds from midfielder Tyler Hess, who finished with four assists. Harper also turned provider, setting up goals for Cler and freshman Ainsley Freeman, who celebrated her first varsity score.

Cler went on to complete his hat trick, while the Spartans also benefited from a Hoopeston own goal. By the final horn, SJO’s relentless attack had overwhelmed the Knights, keeping their defensive dominance intact with a 10th shutout of the year.

"Steven Newman & Waylon Jones (Batman & Robin) are the dynamic duo on the back line," head coach Chris Stevens said. "Yadi Acosta holds down the middle and Lucas Stevens is up top looking to score or assist his teammates."

Jones and Newman are juniors, which means SJO's soccer program will simply reload in 2026.

The Spartans have now outscored opponents 82-6 this season, their No. 1 state ranking underscoring a rapid rise built on depth and determination. SJO also holds the No. 479 spot nationally, ranked ahead of Chicago Academy and Coal City in Illinois 1A. Since the start of 2022, the program has won 51 matches against just 11 losses, a turnaround that has placed the school the map, mirroring the school's storied football program.

Stevens said three attributes define this year’s roster: discipline, determination, and unselfishness. "They have set big team goals for postseason and want to see them through," he said. "[Every] player, seniors through freshman, want everyone to succeed. This is a cohesive group of players and it’s a privilege to be a part of this journey with them."

Now, the focus shifts to Illini Prairie Conference play. The Spartans host Monticello (4-7-1) today before a quick two-game road swing to Olympia on Wednesday and Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday. After a short rest, they’ll return home to face Illinois Valley Central Saturday morning — all with their new No. 1 target on their backs.

Scoring Summary

Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
Hunter Cler (assist: Zach Harper)
Ainsley Freeman (assist: Zach Harper)
Own Goal (Hoopeston)
Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
Hunter Cler (unassisted)
Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
Hunter Cler (penalty kick)

St. Joseph-Ogden soccer unbeaten season, Illinois Class 1A soccer rankings, Zach Harper SJO soccer highlights, Hunter Cler hat trick SJO, SJO Blue Ridge soccer recap

Williams, Alexander lead SJO volleyball to sweep over Hoopeston

The Spartans swept all singles and doubles matches. SJO's singles and doubles squads were flawless, taking key wins on the road.

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden bounced back in commanding fashion Monday night, defeating Hoopeston Area in straight sets in front of a supportive home crowd. Just days removed from a 2-0 loss to Oakwood, the Spartans regrouped and rolled to a 25-15, 25-10 sweep, ending the Cornjerkers’ hopes early and extending Hoopeston’s losing streak to eight matches.

Outside hitter Emerson Williams powered the offense with six kills across the two-set match. Addi Childers chipped in four kills, while Hadley McDonald and Ally Schmitz added three apiece. On defense, Emma McKinney anchored the back row with six digs, and senior libero Katie Ericksen followed with five. McDonald rounded out her solid night by contributing four more digs.

The Spartans also found momentum at the service line. Ava Alexander was unstoppable, landing four aces in her seven serves. McDonald backed her up with four aces of her own in 13 attempts, giving SJO a decisive edge in both sets.

With the victory, the Spartans improve to 4-8 overall and look ahead to a road trip tonight to face St. Teresa in Decatur. The Bulldogs (2-9), who opened the season with seven straight losses, are seeking to gain traction. SJO then returns home Wednesday to host the Danville Vikings. Hoopeston falls to 1-9 with the loss.

TAGGED: SJO volleyball win over Hoopeston, St. Joseph-Ogden vs Hoopeston volleyball, Emerson Williams SJO volleyball, Ava Alexander aces SJO, Hoopeston losing streak volleyball

5 ways students can think about learning so that they can learn more - and how their teachers can help

by Jerrid Kruse
Drake University

Beyond growth mindset, five powerful beliefs help students embrace complexity, effort, time and diverse sources of learning.

During my years teaching science in middle school, high school and college, some of my students have resisted teaching that educators call higher-order thinking. This includes analysis, creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving.

For example, when I asked them to draw conclusions from data or generate a process for testing an idea, some students replied, “Why don’t you tell us what to do?” or “Isn’t it the teacher’s job to tell us the right answers?”

In other words, my students had developed a strong preconceived notion that knowledge comes from authority. After investigating, my colleagues and I concluded that these beliefs about learning were influencing how they approached our lessons – and thus what they were able to learn.

Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

All students come to class with a range of beliefs about what it means to learn. In the field of education, perhaps the most sought-after belief is what we call having a growth mindset. Students with a growth mindset believe they can improve and continue to learn. In contrast, students with a fixed mindset struggle to believe they can become more knowledgeable about the topic they’re studying. When students say, “I’m bad at math,” they exhibit a fixed mindset.

As teachers, we not only try to help students understand the topic at hand but also aim to instill accurate beliefs about learning so nothing interferes with their ability to take in new information.

Other than the growth mindset, I argue that five other beliefs are particularly important to promote in classrooms to help students become better learners and more prepared for the modern world.

Learning is understanding

Some students and teachers equate learning to memorizing.

While memorization has a role in learning, deep learning is about understanding. Students will be well served recognizing that learning is about explaining and connecting concepts to make meaning.

Why is an explanation more useful than just an answer?

Too much focus on memorizing can hide gaps in learning.

For example, I was once working with a preschool student when they proudly demonstrated their ability to recite the numbers 1 through 20. I then asked the student to count the pencils on the desk. The student did not understand my request. They had not connected these new words to the number concept.

To help students recognize the importance of understanding for learning, teachers and parents might engage students in questions such as, “Why is connecting a new idea to an old idea better than just trying to memorize the answer?” or “Why is an explanation more useful than just an answer?”

Learning is complex and requires challenge

Students’ belief that learning is akin to memorization may reflect a related belief that knowledge is simple and learning should be easy.

Instead, educators want students to embrace complexity and its challenges. Through wrestling with nuance and complexity, students engage in the mental effort required to form and reinforce new connections in their thinking.

When students believe knowledge is simple and learning should be easy, their engagement in higher-order thinking, which is required to embrace complexity and nuance, suffers.

To help students who are struggling grasp a complex idea, teachers and parents might ask questions that help students see why learning is complex and requires challenge.

Learning takes time

When students believe learning is simple and easy, educators should not be surprised they think learning should be fast as well.

Instead, students ought to understand that deep learning takes time. If students believe learning is quick, they are less likely to seek challenge, explore nuance or reflect and make connections among ideas. Unfortunately, many curricula pack so much intended learning into a short amount of time that beliefs in quick learning are subtly reinforced.

Kids learning in a classroom environment

Photo: CDC/Unsplash

While teachers can get creative with curricular materials — and spend more time challenging students to explore complexity and make connections — just spending more time on a concept may not be enough to shift a student’s beliefs about learning.

To help students shift their thinking about the speed of learning, I ask them to discuss questions such as, “Why do you think understanding complex concepts takes so much time?” or “Why would only covering this concept for one lesson not be enough?” With these questions, my colleagues and I have found students start to recognize that deep learning is slow and takes time.

Learning is ongoing

Students should also recognize that learning doesn’t end.

Unfortunately, many students believe learning to be a destination rather than an ongoing process. Yet, because knowledge contains an inherent level of uncertainty, and increased learning often reveals increased complexity, learning must be continuous.

To help students reflect on this belief, teachers and parents might ask their students, “How do you think your knowledge has changed over time?” and “How do you think your learning will change in the future?”

Learning is not only from teachers

I remember one high school student telling me that “teachers are supposed to tell us the answers, so we know what to put on the test.”

This student had apparently figured out the “rules of the game” and was not happy when their teacher was trying to engage them in higher-order thinking. This student was holding onto a transmission model of learning in which learning comes from authority figures.

Instead, students should recognize that learning comes from many sources, including their experiences, their peers and their own thinking, as well as from authority figures.

While teachers and parents may hesitate to undermine their own authority, they do students a disservice when they do not prepare them to question and go beyond authority figures.

... helping kids develop more robust beliefs about learning just might be the most important thing teachers can do...

To help students shift their thinking, teachers might ask students to consider, “Why might learning from multiple sources help you better understand the complexity and nuance of a concept?”

Building better beliefs about learning

Often, teachers and parents believe opportunities to engage in higher-order thinking are enough to help their students develop better beliefs about learning.

But such beliefs require explicit attention and must be planned for in lessons. This is done by asking reflective questions that target specific beliefs, such as the questions noted in the final sentence of each of the previous sections.

In my experience, the conversations I’ve had with students using the questions noted above are highly engaging. Moreover, helping kids develop more robust beliefs about learning just might be the most important thing teachers can do to prepare students for the future.

Jerrid Kruse, Professor of Science Education, Drake University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Pick your Illini Prairie Conference winners for the Friday Night Forecast

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

TOLONO - Crewe Eckstein celebrates as he heads to the sidelines after scoring a Unity touchdown against Central Catholic in their Week 3 conference game at Hicks Field. Eckstein and the Rockets (2-1) travel to Dick Duval Field for their annual gridiron matchup with St. Joseph-Ogden (3-0).

Do you know Illini Prairie football?

Submit your picks for this week's Friday Night Forecast and see how your calls stack up against other Illini Prairie Conference football fans. Drop back by OurSentinel.com Friday morning to see which teams are predicted to win as they work to qualify for this year's state football playoffs. This poll is closed.

Week 3 Scores

Central Catholic 34, Unity 27
St. Joseph-Ogden 51, Illinois Valley Central 16
Prairie Central 14, St. Teresa 13
Monticello 36, Rantoul 14
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 48, Pontiac 22

Week 3 Results

Rank	Name	Record	Notes
1	Sara	4-1	Week 3 winner ** Tie-Break
2	Alan	4-1
2	Denise	4-1
3	Brooks Look	3-2
3	Lyman	3-2
3	Keith	3-2
3	J	3-2

Cumulative Standings (After Week 3)

Rank	Name	Total Record	Wins	Notes
1	Brooks Look	12-3	1	Week 2 winner
2	Denise	11-4	0
3	Alan	10-5	0
4	Sara	9-1	1	Week 3 winner
5	J	8-2	1	Week 1 winner
6	Keith	3-2	0
7	Lyman	3-2	0

Previous predictions:

Week 1 Predictions | Week 1 Results
Week 2 Predictions | Week 2 Results
Week 3 Predictions |

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Guest Commentary |
What Charlie Kirk’s assassination; his voice cost him his life

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Charlie Kirk’s death echoes America’s tragic history of assassinated leaders, reminding us that violence cannot silence free speech.

Charlie Kirk was a man who had opinions and vocalized them. He believed in free speech. He also believed in the right of free speech for those who disagreed with him. In his Turning Point rallies, he gave untold numbers of people the opportunity to express their opinions and to debate him. He respectfully gave each person the time to state their case on whatever the subject. Charlie was adamant, profound and articulated strong convictions.

Glenn Mollette

Sadly, a deranged 22-year-old man from Utah took Charlie’s life. It has been reported that the gunman had previously stated at a family dinner that he thought Kirk was filled with hate.

When Kirk spoke at a University rally in Utah, the gunman plotted and positioned himself to shoot a single long-range rifle shot that took Kirk’s life. The man ran back to his home where he later had no choice but to confess to his father that he was indeed the man who had been videotaped at the rally who took Charlie Kirk’s life.

The lone assassin is an evil coward who silenced one of America’s star voices. At least he thought he did. Charlie Kirk has become more known and his sound clips have been heard more in the last few days than in his entire ministry/career. Kirk has been propelled by the assassin to a status in American culture that will never be forgotten. Instead of silencing Kirk he magnified Kirk’s voice and message a hundred or more times. Kirk is now being remembered around the world.

It’s one thing to have a hateful, negative thought, but it’s another to allow hate to act itself out in such a way.

Charlie Kirk used his voice. Every American is entitled to this freedom. His voice cost him his life.

Abraham Lincoln gave his life reuniting our country and abolishing slavery. A cowardly assassin took Lincoln’s life as he leisurely watched a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. John F. Kennedy used his voice to excite the American people and to bring about a positive attitude in the country, but was gunned down by an assassin from a hidden window in downtown Dallas, Texas. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man with a great voice who stirred the hearts of millions of Americans and brought about liberating change for black Americans. An assassin who disagreed with King cowardly hid and took King’s life with a bullet. Malcom X and Bobby Kennedy were orators for positive change in America but someone who disagreed with their views killed them.

The greatest voice of hope, love, change and forgiveness, who ever lived, was Jesus Christ. A cowardly crowd yelled for him to be executed.

These mentioned voices were not silenced by hideous crowds or hidden gunmen. Each of their voices have rung loudly and clearly. Their legacies have only grown bolder and stronger.

It is sad that Charlie Kirk’s assassin did not go down to the rally, stand up like a man and challenge Kirk in a debate. He could have told Kirk what he thought about him and given Kirk a chance to respond. But no, he was a weak, spineless man filled with more hate than probably anyone in America at that given moment.

It’s one thing to have a hateful, negative thought, but it’s another to allow hate to act itself out in such a way.

Violence is never the answer. Let’s keep America free. Free to speak, free to debate, free to practice and express our religion. Let’s have peaceful and strong conversation not assassination.

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

These articles might also interest you:

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Charlie Kirk assassination legacy, history of assassinated American leaders, free speech and violence in America, political debate versus violence, legacy of voices after tragedy

IDOC enacts emergency rule to protect staff from contraband

Prison staff safety concerns prompt Illinois to scan all inmate mail and restrict books to publisher shipments under new emergency rules.

Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS

DIETERICH - The Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted emergency rules designed to curb contraband entering state prisons after a string of drug-related incidents put correctional officers at risk.

The rule, effective Aug. 14, requires all incoming letters to be electronically scanned, with incarcerated individuals receiving only digital or paper copies. Publications such as books and magazines must now be sent directly from publishers.

Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, pushed for the changes following last year’s reported overdoses and accidental exposures that hospitalized several correctional staff.

“It should not have taken nearly a year for this common-sense policy to be put in place,” Niemerg said in announcing the rule change.

The move follows concerns raised by the union representing prison employees, AFSCME Council 31, which reported rising use of synthetic drugs and dangerous substances, including wasp spray, within correctional facilities. Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns. IDOC signed a vendor contract to handle scanning shortly after the safety concerns were raised.

The emergency rules remain in effect for up to 150 days. IDOC may move to make the policy permanent following review. Niemerg said he will continue to monitor the situation alongside staff at Lawrenceville and Robinson Correctional Centers, both of which he visited during the height of the crisis.

Other interesting articles:

TAGGED: Illinois prison mail rules, IDOC emergency rules 2025, Adam Niemerg prison safety, Illinois correctional staff exposures, AFSCME prison union safety

Photo Gallery |
Illini Prairie clash: Unity drops heartbreaker to Central Catholic, 34-27

A packed Hicks Field witnessed Unity and Central Catholic battle in a thrilling Illini Prairie Conference matchup. The Saints edged the Rockets 34-27.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With the help of teammate Coleton Langendorf, Unity's Keegan Germano tackles Central Catholic quarterback Matthew Brady for a loss in the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. Scoring the last touchdown of the game, Brady led the visiting Saints to a 34-27 win at Hicks Field on Friday.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity defensive players take a breather on the sidelines while getting advice and instructions from an assistant coach.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central Catholic receiver Crayton Schnierle hauls in long pass between Unity defenders Adam Reedy and Graydin Cler. Schnierle's catch set up BCC's second first quarter touchdown moving the ball from their 18 yard line to Unity's 33.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans in the east end zone dance to music during a time out. Over 500 football fans were on hand for an exciting game between the conference's two potential champions this season.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Tre Hoggard is wrapped up from behind by a Central Catholic defender. Hoggard made five catches good for 87 yards and a touchdown for the Rockets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Crewe Eckstein makes his way into the end zone in the second quarter for a Unity touchdown. Eckstein padded his stats with 151 yards on 17 carries against the Saints. The senior finished the game with two touchdowns.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans congratulate wide receiver Tre Hoggard after his touchdown on a 29-yard pass play in the second quarter.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Crewe Eckstein breaks away for a 56-yard romp down the sidelines late in the second quarter.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans show their undying support for the Rockets after a big play.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Blasting his way into the Saints' backfield, Rockets' Coleton Langendorf wraps up Central Catholic's Valshun Powe for a loss in the second half.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans celebrate a first down for the Rockets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Rockets' Crewe Eckstein barrels his way to the goal line for touchdown, dragging Saints' Greyer Pirtz, who made the initial hit on the eight-yard line, with him into the end zone.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Matthew Brady is hoisted by teammates after scoring a touchdown for Central Catholic. Brady's TD broke a 27-all score with less than two minutes left on the clock. The extra point was good giving his team the 34-27 advantage.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With very little time on their side, Unity crafted an impressive drive down the field toward the east end zone in response to BCC's go-ahead score. Dane Eisenmenger rolls out of the pocket looking to throw to Tre Hoggard. The pass tipped off the fingertips of Hoggard as the buzzer sounded, ending the Rockets' comeback effort. Unity dropped to 2-1 on the season while Central Catholic remains undefeated headed into Week 4 of IHSA football.

Unity vs Central Catholic football photos, Hicks Field Illini Prairie Conference, IHSA Week 3 football gallery, Unity Rockets 2025 football, Central Catholic Saints undefeated season

Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems

(PRNewswire) Chicago -- There are products for sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty faces. But when sweat shows up somewhere a little less comfortable to talk about, the options get limited fast.

Chicago-based Cheek Sheets is looking to change that.
Cheek Sheets today announced the launch of its namesake absorbent sheets, an ultra-thin, dry and discreet personal-care product designed to help absorb sweat and manage unwanted moisture between the cheeks before it becomes uncomfortable, embarrassing or funky.

Get the full story...

Federal raids intensify in Chicago amid deadly incident and public outcry

Tense encounters

Trump reconsidering National Guard

Photo Gallery |
Urbana & Central play season flag football opener

Bipartisan experts agree: Climate change poses security and economic risks

Harper, Cler shine as St. Joseph-Ogden soccer stays perfect at 12-0

Scoring Summary

Williams, Alexander lead SJO volleyball to sweep over Hoopeston

5 ways students can think about learning so that they can learn more - and how their teachers can help

Learning is understanding

Learning is complex and requires challenge

Learning takes time

Learning is ongoing

Learning is not only from teachers

Building better beliefs about learning

Pick your Illini Prairie Conference winners for the Friday Night Forecast

Week 3 Scores

Week 3 Results

Cumulative Standings (After Week 3)

Guest Commentary |
What Charlie Kirk’s assassination; his voice cost him his life

IDOC enacts emergency rule to protect staff from contraband

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Illini Prairie clash: Unity drops heartbreaker to Central Catholic, 34-27

Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems

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