The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul concerning a state law designed to shield immigrants in key locations such as courthouses, hospitals, and daycare centers.

Earlier this month, Governor Pritzker enacted this legislation, which prohibits immigration enforcement activities within or near 1,000 feet of courthouse premises. Additionally, it mandates that hospitals, public universities, community colleges, and daycare centers establish protocols to manage situations involving federal immigration agents.

Governor Pritzker has stated that this law aims to offer protection against what he perceives as unfair practices by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The law bars immigration enforcement inside or within 1,000 feet of a courthouse building. It also requires hospitals, public universities and community colleges and day care facilities to develop plans and procedures in case federal immigration agents show up at their establishments.

The governor said it provides protection against what he calls unjust ICE practices.

The DOJ’s lawsuit alleges the measure is unconstitutional.

Monday, the DOJ said it has filed a lawsuit against the governor and attorney general over the protections.

“The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Illinois’ that threaten massive punitive liability and compromise the safety of our officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

At the time of the bill signing, Pritzker said he’s not worried if his bill is legally challenged.

“No doubt, they have the ability to go to court about it, but I believe this is a not just a good law, but a great law,” Pritzker said.