Carlos Ballesteros

Carlos Ballesteros reports on incarceration, policing, and issues affecting immigrants and older adults in the court system. Before joining Injustice Watch in 2020, Carlos was a Report for America corps member at the Chicago Sun-Times and a breaking news reporter at Newsweek in New York. Carlos was born and raised in Chicago and also lived in Mexico.

Police

No one knows how many Chicago cops are vaccinated against Covid-19

How many cops have gotten their vaccine shots? The question has a definite answer. But no one in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office or the police department seems able to put a number on it.

by Carlos Ballesteros and Josh McGhee August 30, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Pritzker signs bill allowing Cook County public defender’s office to handle deportation cases

But a lack of funding and personnel could drastically limit how many immigrants the county can represent.

by Carlos Ballesteros August 23, 2021January 8, 2024

Associate Judges

Cook County courts unveil ‘diverse’ slate of associate judge finalists

On Tuesday, the chief judge’s office released the names of 44 candidates, half of whom will be chosen by circuit judges to fill vacancies.

by Carlos Ballesteros August 10, 2021February 1, 2024

Criminal Courts

Illinois speedy trial rights ordered reinstated — but not until October

The state Supreme Court is delaying the reactivation of speedy trial rights until October in order to give chief circuit judges statewide “at least 90 days to prepare,” according to a press release.

by Carlos Ballesteros June 30, 2021December 5, 2023

Criminal Courts

In Illinois, you (still) don’t have a right to a speedy trial

At the start of the pandemic, the Illinois Supreme Court suspended defendants’ constitutional rights to a speedy trial as courtrooms closed throughout the state. But even as pandemic restrictions are lifted across the board, the right to a speedy trial remains on hold.

by Carlos Ballesteros June 24, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Cook County public defenders can represent immigrants facing deportation in immigration court under new state bill

The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill allowing Cook County public defenders to help noncitizens fight deportation in immigration court.

by Carlos Ballesteros May 31, 2021December 5, 2023

Immigration

Illinois legislature passes bill to close state’s immigration detention centers

The ‘Illinois Way Forward Act’ now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for his signature. The bill would severely restrict how local police departments across the state can cooperate with federal immigration officers.

by Carlos Ballesteros May 28, 2021January 8, 2024

Cook County Jail

Court backlog leaves hundreds of people in Cook County Jail for more than a year

Covid-19 restrictions have led to a growing felony court backlog in Cook County. To clear it, “we have to move faster than normal,” one expert said.

by Carlos Ballesteros April 28, 2021December 5, 2023

Police

Comunidad de La Villita reflexiona sobre la muerte de Adam Toledo, la policía, las pandillas y el racismo

Residentes del barrio Latino donde la policía mato a Adam Toledo discuten quien o quienes tienen la culpa de su muerte.

by Carlos Ballesteros April 26, 2021December 5, 2023

Police

In Little Village, Adam Toledo’s death spurs reflection on police, gangs, and race

As the national spotlight dawns on the predominantly Mexican neighborhood, residents express a complicated mix of emotions about Adam’s killing and what to do next.

by Carlos Ballesteros April 23, 2021January 8, 2024

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