Judge Orders Closure of Illinois Prison
- A federal judge has ruled that Illinois must relocate most of the inmates from Stateville Correctional Center by Sept. 30 due to poor conditions.
- This decision follows concerns regarding the decrepit conditions at the prison.
- The closure aims to address the deteriorating conditions impacting inmates' well-being.
A federal judge has ordered the relocation of most inmates from the Stateville Correctional Center in Illinois, citing severe safety concerns. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood's ruling mandates that the prison, which has been in operation for over a century, must close by September 30 due to deteriorating conditions, including falling concrete and unsanitary living environments. The Illinois Department of Corrections has stated that this decision aligns with their plans to replace the aging facility. The Stateville prison, located in Crest Hill, houses over 400 inmates and is set to be rebuilt on the same campus. Additionally, plans are in place to replace the Logan prison for women, potentially on the Stateville site as well. The judge's order emphasizes the urgency of transferring inmates to other facilities across the state, as the current conditions have been described as hazardous, with reports of unsanitary surfaces and foul-smelling water. Governor J.B. Pritzker's administration had previously announced plans for the prison's replacement in March, but details remained sparse during public hearings. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, representing prison workers, has expressed concerns over the impact of the closure on staff and their families, as well as the potential disruption to inmate families. Union spokesperson Anders Lindall indicated that they are exploring options to mitigate the effects of the ruling.