No-knock warrant legislation brings Chicago victim, Illinois gun group together

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A diverse group of supporters are pushing to restrict no-knock search warrants in Illinois, but many law enforcement groups are opposed to a bill up for consideration by state lawmakers.

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, told the Illinois House Judiciary – Criminal Committee on Monday that House Bill 1611 is simple but fundamental.

“When the government crosses the threshold of a person’s home, especially with force, there must be clear rules, real safeguards and accountability when something goes wrong,” Buckner said.

HB 1611 provides that no court shall issue a search warrant allowing police officers to enter a residence without first knocking and announcing their office, except in certain circumstances when it is necessary to prevent physical injury. The measure would restrict officers from handcuffing children or their caregivers, and it would ban residential search warrants unless violent felonies are involved.

The city of Chicago settled a lawsuit with Anjanette Young for $2.9 million after Young was handcuffed while police searched her home in 2019, only to learn later they had the wrong address.

Young told the Illinois House Judiciary – Criminal Committee on Monday there is lasting harm when people feel violated by those in power.

“It erodes trust, not just in law enforcement, but in government and in justice and others,” Young said.

Young said government policy that avoids accountability does not make for safe communities.

“It makes for more fearful and unsafe systems for our officers, and it undermines the many good officers who serve with integrity every day,” Young said.

Ed Sullivan of the Illinois State Rifle Association expressed support for HB 1611, also known as the Anjanette Young Act, and for banning no-knock warrants.

“These warrants are dangerous. These warrants cause problems. These warrants cause deaths,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said no-knock warrants are banned in five states, including Florida and Tennessee.

State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, expressed concern that restricting search warrants to certain hours of the day would cause issues for law enforcement trying to assemble tactical and backup teams.

Guerrero-Cuellar suggested that rural agencies might be most affected.

As of Monday, 20 witness slips were filed in support of HB 1611 and 51 were filed against it. Opponents include sheriff’s offices, police departments and law enforcement associations.

Kevin Bessler contributed to this story.