Anti-Israel agitators are expected to make their presence known at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week, with authorities bracing for potentially hundreds of arrests. This will put Illinois’ no-cash-bail law to the ultimate test.
Last year, Illinois implemented the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA), which eliminated cash bail. Critics argue that cash bail is discriminatory towards low-income offenders, as they may struggle to post high bonds compared to wealthier offenders.
Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans has been working with various agencies to prepare for the possibility of mass protests and arrests. Temporary changes have been made to ensure a smooth judicial process, including additional staffing at a temporary court facility on West Belmont Avenue.
Protesters arrested outside the convention may not even need to face a judge under the PFA, as certain suspects can be cited and released. Loyola Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice has been monitoring the impact of the PFA since its implementation, noting a decrease in jail bookings and populations.
As Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accept their party’s nomination at the DNC, thousands of demonstrators are expected to march throughout the city. The situation remains tense as authorities prepare for potential clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
