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VOTE NO 
to retain Judge Robert Villa
Kane County Chief Justice

CALL TO ACTION

Did YOU know that Kane County Chief Judge Robert Villa issued a general order that restricts your First amendment rights?

 

Judge Villa issued General Order 26-09 this June with restrictions and guidelines for demonstrations at Kane County court facilities. The order specifically references speech “concerning immigration enforcement” or other law-enforcement activity.

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KNOW THE RECORD BEFORE YOU VOTE ON JUDICIAL RETENTION

On June 25, 2026, Chief Judge Robert Villa issued General Order 26-09, establishing restrictions and guidelines for demonstrations at Kane County court facilities. The order specifically references speech “concerning immigration enforcement” or other law-enforcement activity. 

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On July 14, the ACLU of Illinois wrote directly to Judge Villa and other Kane County officials, warning that the order could be applied to constitutionally protected activities and raising First Amendment concerns.  The ACLU asked officials to confirm that people remain free to observe and record ICE activity, speak with officers or individuals detained by ICE, and distribute literature—as long as they do not physically interfere with law enforcement or block pedestrian or vehicle access.​ Those questions were NEVER answered. 

 

We Can Lead Change believes that this order is stepping on First Amendment rights, that Chief Justice Villa needed to answer the ACLU's questions and that this General Order was a way to prevent observors of ICE activities to be present on public property.   Therefore, WCLC is recommending that voters vote NO to the retention of Judge Robert Villa.  

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READ THE ORDER.  READ THE ACLU LETTER.  ASK QUESTIONS.  KNOW THE RECORD.

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We Can Lead Change recommends you VOTE NO

for retention of Judge Robert Villa.  

  • General Order 26-09 — full text of Judge Villa’s order
    The order is dated June 25, 2026, signed by Chief Judge Robert K. Villa, and titled “In the Matter of Court Facility Access, Public Demonstrations, and Safety Guidelines Regarding Protest Activities.” It states that the guidelines apply to demonstrations concerning “immigration enforcement” and other governmental or law-enforcement activity. It establishes designated assembly areas, including a requirement that demonstrations at the Judicial Center be on the lawn at least 100 feet from an entrance. It also regulates sound, interactions with law enforcement, recording, traffic, and other conduct. 
    Read General Order 26-09 — full PDF

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  • ACLU of Illinois letter to Judge Villa — July 14, 2026
    The ACLU wrote directly to Judge Villa, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser, and Undersheriff Amy Johnson. The letter says the ACLU was concerned that General Order 26-09 “may be applied to” constitutionally protected activity and points specifically to the order's reference to speech concerning immigration enforcement. ACLU of Illinois

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  • The ACLU said it understood the First Amendment to protect activities such as observing ICE activity, photographing or recording ICE activity, speaking with ICE officers or people detained by ICE, speaking with sheriff’s deputies, and distributing literature, provided people do not physically interfere with law enforcement or pedestrian/vehicle access. It asked officials to advise if that understanding was incorrect.    Read the ACLU's July 14 letter — full PDF

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  • ACLU of Illinois press release — July 15, 2026
    The ACLU said the order “places a number of restrictions on speech” and said it raised “fundamental constitutional questions.” Those are the ACLU's characterizations, rather than a court finding that the order is unconstitutional. ACLU: Kane County Officials Asked to Protect First Amendment Rights 

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https://wecanleadchange.org/blank#general-order

GENERAL ORDER 26-09

June 25, 2026

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