The Decalogue Society of Lawyers, in conjunction with The Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois and the Puerto Rican Bar Association, strongly condemns the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Chicago that flagrantly disregard constitutional protections and threaten the fundamental principles of justice in our democracy.
The Decalogue Society, as one of the nation’s oldest bar associations committed to upholding the rule of law, cannot remain silent as federal agencies carry out enforcement actions that violate constitutional rights. The overwhelming majority of undocumented immigrants come to the United States in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life for their families— many fleeing political violence and persecution. While the enforcement of immigration laws is a legitimate government function, it must be carried out in strict adherence to the Constitution and without discrimination or abuse of power.
We are particularly alarmed by statements from Vice President J.D. Vance suggesting that executive agencies can ignore judicial rulings. Such rhetoric strikes at the heart of our legal system and undermines the judiciary’s essential role as a check on executive overreach. The separation of powers is not an abstract principle— it is the bedrock of our democracy.
Disregarding court orders is not only unlawful but sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the rights of all Americans.
We reject any enforcement actions that:
- Violate the constitutional rights of American citizens and lawful residents, regardless of their immigration status.
- Target individuals or communities based on race, ethnicity, or political speech, in direct violation of the First Amendment.
- Disregard the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, including the use of administrative warrants that do not grant the right to enter private homes without consent.
- Deny individuals their Fifth Amendment right to due process, including coercive tactics that force self-incrimination.
- Retaliate against individuals exercising their rights to protest or seek asylum.
- Undermine the integrity of our judicial system by refusing to follow court rulings.
As attorneys, we have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution, and we demand that all governmental agencies-including ICE-do the same. No administration, official, or agency is above the law. Selective adherence to constitutional protections is not law enforcement; it is lawlessness.
We call upon all legal professionals, bar associations, and community organizations to stand with us in defense of the rule of law, due process, and human dignity. We urge ICE and all federal agencies to operate in a lawful, transparent, and humane manner-and to respect the authority of the courts, as required by our Constitution.
The Decalogue Society of Lawyers is proud to lead this effort. We stand united against hate, discrimination, and government overreach that undermines justice for all.
