Lawmakers Respond to Fencing Installed at Rockford Federal Courthouse

ROCKFORD — Security fencing was installed late Friday around the federal courthouse in Rockford, drawing responses from state and federal lawmakers. State Sen. Andrew Chesney of Freeport supported the fencing and called for stronger crime prevention efforts, while U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen and Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting details about the fencing’s purpose, cost, and duration. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood also issued a statement linking the fencing to federal enforcement operations and broader debates over immigration and public safety.