Temporary Rockford Courthouse fence sparks debate over security and
costs
[September 19, 2025]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – A temporary fence surrounding the federal
courthouse in downtown Rockford, Illinois is drawing sharp criticism and
competing explanations from federal and state officials.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, said in a recent social
media video that the Trump administration has not been transparent about
why fencing went up around the building.
“My office is also leading a letter to Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem,
asking specific questions about the precise nature, the cost, the time
these fences went up, but most importantly, she needs to answer what
purpose,” Sorensen said. “I’ve been in close contact with Mayor Tom
McNamara, with Alderman Kevin Frost Bell, with other city leaders, state
and federal leaders, to make sure that we’re doing everything that we
can to protect the people of my hometown of Rockford, Illinois.”
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, who also works for the
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, pushed back sharply, saying
Sorensen’s outreach to local officials shows a lack of understanding of
how federal security matters are handled.

“Congressman Sorensen’s an absolute idiot,” Cabello said. “Number one,
he calls the mayor of Rockford. The mayor of Rockford has no clue.
You’re the congressman. You should know what’s going on.”
McNamara told The Center Square, “As Mayor, the buck stops with me. I
have responsibility and accountability, which Cabello certainly does
not.”
Cabello called the fence a cost-saving precaution against potential
unrest.
“Look what they did in Seattle, look at what they did in Portland,” said
Cabello.
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U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill -
BlueRoomStream

According to Julie Hodek, spokesman at the U.S. District Court,
temporary fencing has been installed near the Stanley J. Roszkowski
Courthouse to help visitors access the building safely.
“The United States Marshals Service is responsible for safety at the
courthouse and will ensure the security of anyone seeking assistance
from the Court,” Chief Judge Virginia Kendall said.
The court noted that individuals facing federal criminal charges
will appear before a judge in the Northern District of Illinois,
while those in deportation proceedings are handled administratively.
Officials declined to comment on the cost of the fencing.
Cabello explained the concerns voiced by Democrats were misleading
the public.
“Sorenson, [U.S. Sen. Tammy] Duckworth, [U.S. Sen. Dick] Durbin, and
McNamara have an issue with it, well, that's just tough,” said
Cabello.
Sorensen said “this isn't about politics."
“We all must make sure that our neighbors are protected and that we
are served by the government, not threatened and put into custody by
it,” said Sorensen.
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