FILED
CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
November 20,2020
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
IN RE: )
COURT OPERATIONS AND )
THE USE OF VIDEO AND )
TELECONFERENCING DURING THE ) Administrative Order No. 266
EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES )
CREATED BY THE COVID-19 VIRUS. )
a AMENDED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
This sixth amended omnibus Administrative Order amends and supersedes
Administrative Order No. 266 dated November 5,2020,^ relative to cases and proceedings
before the District Court, the use of video and teleconferencing, and the operation of the
federal courthouses in East St Louis and Benton, Illinois, dining the continuing exigent
circiunstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bankruptcy Court proceedings also
are addressed below. This sixth amendment of Administrative Order No. 266 details new
restrictions, as well as a flexible plan for operations during this fluctuating public health
crisis. The Court recognizes that it is impossible to cover all contingencies during this
fluid situation. This Order is therefore designed to give the presiding judicial officers
flexibility to address issues as they arise while implementing necessary safeguards.
I. Implementation of the COOP/COVID-19 Plan
The current COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the Southern District of Illinois, all
50 states, and countries around the world. Although for many this disease appears to
cause only flu-like symptoms, for others it can pose a serious risk, even death. There is
1 Administrative Order No. 266 (and subsequent amendments) supplant Second Amended Administrative
Order No. 261 dated April 1, 2020, Amended Administrative Order No. 262 dated April 1, 2020, and
Administrative Order No. 263 dated March 30,2020.
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currently no available vaccine to prevent COVID-19. On March 29, 2020, the Judicial
Conference of the United States declared that emergency conditions caused by the
COVID-19 outbreak are materially affecting, and will continue to materially affect, the
functioning of the federal courts generally.
The rate of contamination in the 38 coimties comprising this district is fluctuating.
but has recently increased precipitously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
("CDC") has stressed the need to continue practicing measures to avoid opportunities for
exposure, such as teleworking, wearing masks, and social distancing. Similarly, the
governor of Illinois has directed that all those who can work remotely should do so.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, particularly between
people who are in close proximity with one another (within 6 feet), in closed spaces for
prolonged periods, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. The Court finds, for
the reasons stated, that imder The Federal Judiciary COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines,
Gating Criteria, and Recovery Resources issued by the Administrative Office of the
United States Comts, it can continue a phased plan for operations, but the rising rate of
infection within the district warrants additional precautionary measures to protect the
health of litigants, counsel, witnesses, the public, and court personnel. Restrictions will
be adjusted as local conditions dictate.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the imdersigned Chief Judge and chair of the
district's Secmity Committee—after consultation with the judges of this district, the
United States Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service, and the General Services
Administration building managers—activates and implements the district's
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COOP/COVID-19 Plan, effective immediately and until further order. In accordance
with the Plan, and pursuant to 41 C.F.R. § 102-74.375(b), access to tlie federal courtliouses
in East St. Louis and Benton will be limited, and tlie operations of the District Court,
Bankruptcy Court, and tlie Probation and Pretrial Services Office will be altered
accordingly.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED tliat, consistent witli the COOP/COVID-19 Plan, and
after consultation with the Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of the
United States Courts, all employees of the District Court are directed to telework
whenever possible, except when directed by their supervisor to report to the courtliouse.
All District Court employees who, after consultation with their supervisor, are deemed
unable to telework or perform alternate duties, will be placed on administrative leave.
II. Courthouse Restrictions
It is ORDERED that until further order of the Court:
● The federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton will be CLOSED to the
public, subject to exceptions for special settings as ordered by the Court. No
members of the public, other than litigants with a scheduled proceeding,
counsel of record in tliat matter, law enforcement having official duties
connected with a court proceeding, investigators or employees of counsel,
court interpreters and contract court reporters, credentialed press, and those
otherwise autliorized to enter on official business, may enter the U.S. District
Courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton without prior permission from a
judge of tliis district, the Clerk of Court, the Probation and Pretrial Services
Office, or other agency housed in the courtliouse(s).
● All civil and criminal jury trials are CANCELED and will be reset by the
presiding judge.
● Civil and criminal bench trials may be conducted at the presiding judge's
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discretion. Any bench trials currently schedule remain set, absent order of the
presiding judge.
● Each judge shall have discretion to adjust his or her docket in the interest of
safety and efficiency, and appropriate notices will be sent to counsel.
● The Clerk's Offices in East St. Louis and Benton will continue operations, but
will be closed to the public, subject to reopening as local conditions allow.
Updates will be published on the Court's public webpage
(https:/ / www.ilsd.uscourts.gov) and transmitted to the local bar via the Case
Management/Electronic Case Filing ("CM/ECF") system. Procedures
regarding filings and other court business are set forth elsewhere in this order.
Until further order of the Court the following restrictions and protocols shall
apply:
● persons seeking entry to, or occupying the courthouse, must wear a face
mask (no scarfs, neck gaiters, or masks with air vents) in the public areas of
the courthouses; this includes the lobby, elevator banks, restrooms, public
corridors, and, unless excused by the presiding judge, courtrooms. The
face mask must always completely conceal the wearer's nose and mouth.
Personnel working in a private office or workspace that permits at least six
feet of physical distance from other persons may temporarily remove their
mask, but should don a mask when anyone comes witiain six feet of them.
The only persons excepted from this requirement are those who provide
documentation that they are unable, for medical reasons, to wear a face
covering, in which case a shield and social distancing will suffice.
● Any person falling into one of tlie following categories SHALL NOT ENTER
either courthouse:
● People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms
within the last 14 days:
● Fever (100.4 F or above) or chills
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breatliing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
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● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Persons who have been diagnosed witli or have had contact witli
anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
"Close contact" is defined as being within six feet of someone (witli or
without masks being worn) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more
during a 24-hour period, or were exposed to respiratory secretions by
being directly coughed or sneezed on.
● Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital,
or health agency witliin the last 14 days, or who are awaiting the results
of a COVID-19 viral test.
● The Federal Protective Service and Court Security Officers will enforce the
posted building restrictions. Visitors must review signage regarding the
criteria for exclusion from the courthouse and answer whether they meet the
criteria for restriction. Those answering "yes" to the criteria for restriction will
be denied access to the courthouse. Visitors who register a fever via the
temperature kiosk or who visibly appear to have the symptoms listed above
will also be denied entry to the building. All other security requirements for
entrance, such as showing proper identification and passing through a
magnetometer, remain in effect.
● Visitors are expected to perform hand hygiene at the point of entry, and
practice social distancing while in the courthouse. Hand sanitizer will be
available throughout the building.
● Visitors will be asked to leave if they do not follow these standards or maintain
social distancing as directed, and may be found in contempt of Court.
● Members of the public not permitted access to the courthouse may call for
assistance:
● East St. Louis District Court Help Desk: 866-867-3169
● Benton District Court Help Desk: 866-222-2104
● East St. Louis Bankruptcy Court: 618-482-9400
● Benton Bankruptcy Court; 618-435-2200
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● East St. Louis United States Marshals Service: 618-482-9336
● Benton United States Marshals Service: 618-439-7701
● Federal Public Defender's Office: 314-496-3883 or 618-792-4047
● Additional information will be posted on each Court or agency's public
webpage.
● All public events and ceremonies, such as school tours and civic events, are
canceled, subject to being reset.
III. The CARES Act and Criminal Proceedings
Section 15002(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
("CARES Act"), H.R. 748 (2020), provides for video teleconferencing
("videoconferencing"). or telephone conferencing (teleconferencing") if
videoconferencing is not reasonably available, for certain criminal proceedings, if tlie
Judicial Conference of the United States finds that emergency conditions caused by tlie
COVlD-19 outbreak will materially affect the functioning of either the federal courts
generally or a particular district court, and the chief judge of a court covered by that
finding authorizes videoconferencing, or teleconferencing if videoconferencing is not
reasonably available. Additional case-by-case findings are required of tlie presiding
judge relative to felony pleas and sentencings. In any event, videoconferencing and
teleconferencing can only occur with tlie consent of tlie defendant.
The Court finds, for the reasons stated above relative to the Implementation of the
COOP/COVID-19 Plan, that it cannot apply the recommended social distancing
measures in all situations without endangering the health of defendants, counsel, die
public, and court personnel, tliereby necessitating the use of videoconferencing, or
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teleconferencing if videoconferencing is not reasonably available. As of the date of this
Order, teleconferencing has been tested and is operational, and a stable, secure
videoconferencing system is available in some, but not all, circumstances. In-court
proceedings, videoconferencing, and teleconferencing will all be utilized to maximize the
Court's ability to carry out its constitutional mission.
The Court AUTHORIZES the use of videoconferencing, or teleconferencing if
videoconferencing is not reasonably available, for the following criminal proceedings, as
specified in the CARES Act:
Detention hearings under 18 U.S.C. § 3142;
Initial appearances under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5;
Preliminary hearings under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5.1;
Waivers of Indictment under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 7(b);
Arraignments under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 10;
Probation and supervised revocation proceedings imder Federal Rule of
Criminal Procedure 32.1;
Pretrial release revocation proceedings under 18 U.S.C. § 3148;
Appearances under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 40;
Misdemeanor pleas and sentencings under Federal Rule of Criminal
Procedure 43(b)(2);
Proceedings under 18 U.S.C. § 403 (commonly known as the "Federal
Juvenile Delinquency Act"), except for contested transfer hearings and
juvenile delinquency adjudication or trial proceedings
The videoconferencing or teleconferencing authorized above may only take place
witli the consent of the defendant, or the juvenile, after consulting with counsel.
In accordance with the CARES Act, if tlie district judge in a particular case finds
for specific reasons that the plea or sentencing in a case cannot be further delayed without
serious harm to the interests of justice, a felony plea under Federal Rule of Criminal
Procedure 11 and felony sentencing imder Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32 may be
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conducted by video conference, or by teleconference if videoconference is not reasonably
available. However, videoconferencing or teleconferencing of felony pleas under Rule 11
and felony sentencings under Rule 32 may only take place with the consent of the
defendant, or the juvenile, after consulting with counsel.
IV. Videoconferencing and Teleconferencing Protocols
In any traditional in-court proceeding—civil or criminal — that is conducted via
videoconference or teleconference due to the exigent circumstances stemming from the
COVID-19 outbreak, audio or video feeds will be available to the public and press to the
extent practicable. Information detailing how to access any audio and/or video feed of
court proceedings will be posted in the notice of setting on a case-by-case basis, and
general information will be published on the district court's public webpage
www.ilsd.uscourts.gov.
All attorneys are responsible for monitoring notices of settings and must relay
those notices to any other attorney who might be handling a case in the attorney's
stead. If directed to participate via teleconference or videoconference, participants may
not participate in person without the permission of the Court.
Counsel and other participants, and those monitoring remotely, are responsible
for their own computers and audio-video equipment. The Court does not provide
technical assistance.
Participants in a teleconference or videoconference, and those monitoring
remotely, must mute all electronic devices and audible notifications, and should conduct
tliemselves as if physically in tlie courtroom. Audio and video of any court proceeding
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may not be recorded or rebroadcast in any manner. See ILSD Local Rule 83.5. Violators
may be held in contempt of court and face other penalties.
In the event a defendant in a criminal case does not consent to the use of
videoconferencing or teleconferencing under Sections 15002(b)(l-2) of the CARES Act,
credentialed members of the press and public may attend such hearings in person in
accordance with this Order, provided social distancing can be maintained. At the
discretion of the presiding judge, principal participants and the public and press may be
physically segregated from each other, including utilizing multiple rooms, and
videoconferencing and/or teleconferencing. Social distancing protocols wiU be required
in all proceedings, and the number of in-person participants may be limited based on the
capacity of the room, and in consideration of CDC guidance on social distancing.
Courtroom spectators are reminded that there are health and safety risks associated with
attending an in-person court hearing.
The Court recognizes that the public and the press have a qualified First
Amendment right of access to certain court proceedings and that the use of
videoconferencing and/or teleconferencing may implicate that right. Nonetheless, for the
reasons set forth in tliis Order, tlie Court finds that these procedures are necessitated by
the emergency conditions caused by COVID-19 and must be implemented to prevent the
spread of the COVID-19 virus. See Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 478 U.S. 1, 9
(1986); Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 464 U.S. 501, 510 (1984); Wnlton v. Briley, 361
F.3d 431, 433 (7th Cir. 2004).
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V. District Court Filings and Proceedings
Any time a courthouse or Clerk's Office is closed to tire public, filings will continue to
be processed in civil and criminal cases. A variety of filing and payment metliods are
available:
● Attorneys should continue to utilize the CM/ECF system.
● For pro se parties without access to CM/ECF, documents may be submitted by
mail to:
U.S. District Court Clerk's Office
750 Missouri Ave., East St. Louis, IL 62201
or
U.S. District Court Clerk's Office
301W. Main St, Benton, IL 62812
● Filings submitted by mail will be processed upon receipt, possibly at a delayed
pace. (The impact of any delay is addressed below.) Due to the exigent
circumstances, the Court suspends the prohibition against pro se parties
emailing their filings to the Clerk's Office. The Court will accept filings from
pro se litigants via email that comply with these requirements: (a) the filing
must be in PDF format; (b) the filing must be signed "s/ [filer's name]" or bear
a handwritten signature; (c) the email must be sent to
[email protected]; (d) the email must state the party's name,
address, and phone number; (e) for existing cases, the email's subject line must
read: "Pro Se Filing [Insert Your Case Number]", and for new cases, the email's
subject line must read: "Pro Se Filing in New Case." Emails that do not comply
witli these requirements will not be reviewed and will not be considered a
proper filing.
● Drop-boxes are available in tlie entryway of the East St. Louis and Benton
Courthouses. Members of the public will be permitted inside each courthouse
in order to place documents for filing inside the drop-box.
● Emergency filings may be submitted by email to:
[email protected]. All emergency filings must include an
email address and phone number where tlie filer may be reached.
● Payments by attorneys utilizing tlie CM/ECF system will be processed via
credit card utilizing Pay.gov. Non-attorneys and those filing via mail or email
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may make payments via credit card by calling the Clerk's Offices in East St.
Louis or Benton between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Depending on the office's
operational status, callers may be directed to call the Help Desk where they can
leave a message and have their call returned.) Payments by check or money
order will be accepted by mail and will be processed upon receipt. Cash
payments will not be accepted during this period of exigent circumstances.
Any pro se litigant filing a case via mail or email and not simultaneously
paying via credit card, check, or money order will receive notice from the
Clerk's Office with directions for making payment by a specified deadline.
● Any questions may be directed to:
● East St. Louis District Court Help Desk: 866-867-3169
● Benton District Court Help Desk: 866-222-2104
Messages will be returned during business hours (9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.).
● In all civil cases, non-trial proceedings remain set, absent a specific order of the
Court. Judges will attempt to maximize teleconferencing and
videoconferencing, but in-person proceedings may still be set.
● In all civil cases, all deadlines, whether set by the Court, the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, or Local Rules, remain as set as of the date of Hus Order. More
specifically, deadlines previously extended by Administrative Orders Nos.
261, 262, and 263 (and any subsequent amendments) are not extended further
by diis omnibus Order. Administrative Orders Nos. 261,262, and 263 (and any
subsequent amendments) and this omnibus Order do not grant an extension
of any deadlines imposed by Civil Rules 50(b) or (d), 52(b), 59(b), (d), or (e),
or 60(b). See Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b)(2). If die COVID-19 public emergency results
in the Clerk's Office being inaccessible, deadlines will be extended as set forth
in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(a)(3). Litigants are cautioned that
Administrative Orders Nos. 261, 262, and 263 (and any subsequent
amendments) and this omnibus Order do not affect the rights to, or
deadlines concerning, any appeal from any decision of this Court. The
deadlines for filing a notice of appeal remain in place and must be followed
to preserve appellate rights. The Court invites parties to file an extension of
time to appeal under Appellate Rule 4(a)(5)(A) no later than 30 days after the
time prescribed by Rule 4(a). If a timely extension motion is filed, then the
Court deems that good cause exists for the extension in light of current public
healtli concerns. If a filing is mailed by a prisoner, tlie traditional "mailbox"
rule shall govern its filing date. If a filing is mailed by a non-prisoner, the filing
date shall be deemed to be the postmark date, subject to any party's right to
move that a different date be used.
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● Any requirement imposed by this U.S. District Court that tlie United States
Marshals Service, or anyone contracted on its behalf, effect personal service of
process under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(c)(3), 28U.S.C. § 1915(d), or
28 U.S.C. § 1916, for any cases pending in this district or any other district, is
SUSPENDED until February 1, 2021. This Order does not apply to service of
process by mail, waivers of service under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d),
or service by electronic means, unless otherwise ordered by tlie Court. In any
civil case in which tlie United States Marshals Service has suspended the
service of process under this Order, the time for service imder Federal Rule of
Civil Procedure 4(m) is TOLLED until March 1, 2021.
● The public healtli crisis does not affect the Court's consideration of civil or
criminal motions tliat can be resolved without in-court proceedings. The Court,
on a case-by-case basis and for good cause shown, may extend, shorten, or
revoke any deadline.
● With regard to criminal matters before the Court, the Court shall have
discretion to quash any previously issued arrest warrant and instead issue a
summons.
● New arrestees will be scheduled for proceedings as expeditiously as possible.
The Court FINDS tliat any delay incurred in arrestees being brought before a
magistrate judge pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(a) during
tliis period of time, by its nature, to be a necessary delay to protect all parties,
counsel, and tlie public, as well as jail and court staff. Provisions of the Speedy
Trial Act are not triggered until "the filing date (and making public) of tlie
information or indictment" or "from tlie date the defendant has appeared
before a judicial officer of the court in which [the] charge is pending" —
whichever date last occurs. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(c)(1).
● Magistrate judges shall provisionally appoint the Office of the Federal Public
Defender on any new or recent arrests in cases where counsel has not appeared,
subject to being vacated if the individual is later determined to not be indigent.
Any such appointment will, of course, be vacated if private counsel enters an
appearance on behalf of a defendant.
● The United States Marshals Service is DIRECTED to not transport any
individuals subject to a writ of habeas corpus to tlie district between now and
February 1, 2021, unless directed to do so by the Court.
● If any defendant and his or her counsel or the United States Attorney seeks an
immediate in-person hearing before a magistrate judge —as is a defendant's
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right—counsel shall file a motion making the request and stating tlie reason an
immediate hearing is needed. When possible, the motion shall be designated
as a joint motion. If a joint request is not feasible, the magistrate judge will
impose a short deadline for a response. Any motions requesting a hearing shall
be brought to the immediate attention of the appropriate magistrate judge's
chambers. Magistrate judges will decide on a case-by-case basis whether the
circumstances call for an emergency hearing and, if deemed appropriate, a
hearing will be set by tlie magistrate judge.
● Any required emergency hearing will be held remotely by video conferencing
if the defendant consents pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f)
and the terms of this Order. The Court will accept verbal consents on the
record when the hearing is held but encourages counsel to secure a written
waiver when possible. Such requests should be made, for instance, when there
is an argument for immediate release of the defendant or there is any other
compelling reason that a hearing is absolutely necessary. A transfer to a facility
with established videoconferencing may be necessary if a remote hearing is
required and caimot be accomplished according to die current placement
designated by die United States Marshals Service.
● Only essential proceedings will occur during the period the courthouses are
generally closed to the public. Initial appearances, arraignments, detention
hearings, and proceedings where in-person attendance is constitutionally
required are deemed essential and will be conducted in person, absent any
waiver permitted under the law and the terms of this Order. As to all other
criminal matters during this period, judges shall have sole discretion to
determine what proceedings should go forward, or whether
videoconferencing or teleconferencing can be utilized. Each judge will so notify
the affected parties and reset the matters as appropriate. Delays will be kept to
a minimum, particularly with respect to pretrial detention. These continuances
will not affect any other deadlines unless the presiding judge so indicates.
● Until further order of the Court, in all matters set for an in-person hearing,
counsel must make the necessary inquiries and notify the presiding judge and
opposing counsel if that attorney or any individuals the attorney intends to
bring to the courthouse meet any of the criteria for restriction from the
courthouse. The presiding judge will have sole discretion to determine whether
the proceeding should be delayed or go forward, perhaps by alternative means.
● All detainees, upon arrival at die East St. Louis or Benton courthouses and
before appearance in court, shall undergo screening for fever and other
outward signs of COVID-19 contamination; such screening shall be
administered by and/or at the direction of the United States Marshals Service
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or its agents or designees. The presiding judge must be notified if the detainee
exhibits risk factors. The judge shall have the discretion to order the detainee
returned to the facility from which he or she came. Videoconferencing and
teleconferencing and other technologies also may be utilized as practicable,
and participants in a hearing may be separated as directed by the presiding
judge in the interest of public health.
● Change of plea and sentencing hearings may be delayed or have to be reset as
local contamination rates dictate. A defendant and/or counsel may file a
motion requesting an emergency hearing stating (1) the reason(s) why an
emergency setting is necessary; and (2) whether tire defendant, after
consultation with counsel, consents to hold the hearing by videoconference or
teleconference. Counsel also shall notify the courtroom deputy clerk by phone
that an emergency motion has been filed.
● Any time period of the continuances implemented by this Administrative
Order or other Orders of the Court due to the COVID-19 crisis will be excluded
under the Speedy Trial Act, as tlie Court specifically finds that the ends of
justice—in terms of the nationally recognized public health dangers and
constitutional aspects of summoning a jury —served by the continuances
outweigh ithe best interests of tlie public and any defendant's right to a speedy
trial pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §3161(h)(7)(A). All necessary Orders will be entered
in each case.
● Deadlines in criminal cases, including motions, briefing, and discovery
deadlines, whether set by the Court, by the Federal Rules of Criminal
Procedure, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, or Local Rules, are not
impacted by this omnibus Order, except to the extent they are triggered by a
setting or deadline tliat has been continued or canceled. Motions for extension
of time, and all otlrer motions in criminal cases, will be entertained by the Court
as usual.
● All probation and supervised release revocation hearings are subject to being
rescheduled by the presiding judge. The defendant, defense counsel, the
United States Probation Office, or the United States Attorney's Office may
request an earlier hearing.
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● Grand juries shall continue to meet as long as conditions permit, with
reasonable limits on grand jury sessions imposed by the Court in consultation
witlr die U.S. Attorney's Office. In the interest of health and safety, the Court
may exercise its authority to convene or discharge a grand jury. See generally
Korman v. United States, 486 F.2d 926,933 (7th Cir. 1973). In the event grand jury
sessions must be suspended, a separate order will issue. During any period of
delay, the respective Grand Juries will not be in session as the term is used in
18 U.S.C.§ 3161(b).
● Attorney admissions in-person ceremonies will not be performed until further
notice. Oath cards need not be notarized but must be signed. Instructions can
be found at https: / /www.ilsd.uscourts.gov/AttyAdmission.aspx .
● Court Assistance Program ("CAP") meetings are canceled until further notice.
● The Central Violations Bureau dockets in East St. Louis and Benton are
canceled until March 2021. Notices will be sent to parties regarding those
dockets. Payments continue to be processed electronically (instructions appear
on each citation).
● Naturalization ceremonies will be conducted by the United States Customs and
Immigration Service until further order of the Court. If an individual meets
the criteria set forth in 8 U.S.C. § 1448(c) as qualifying for the expedited
administration of tlie judicial oath, and if tliat individual is seeking a name
change pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1448(e), the Court, in coordination witli the
United States Customs and Immigration Service, will arrange for
naturalization of that individual by a judicial officer. See Administrative Order
No. 268.
● Announcements regarding any furtlrer restrictions to Court services will be
posted on the District Court's public webpage https://www.ilsd.u scourts.gov,
and attorneys whl receive updates and notices via the CM/ECF system.
VI. Bankruptcy Court Filings and Proceedings
All scheduled bankruptcy hearings, including emergency matters, will be held
telephonically, unless specially set by the presiding judge for an in-person hearing. The
Court will provide call in information to the parties prior to the hearing. For those
without access to CM/ECF, documents may be submitted by mail, or in tlie event of
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emergency, may be submitted by email to:
[email protected] urts.gov. All
emergency filings must include an email address and phone number where tlie filer may
be reached.
VII. Probation and Pretrial Services
The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office will continue to
investigate and supervise individuals as ordered by the Court.
VIII. Expiration of this Order
The Court will closely monitor itie COVID-19 outbreak and any changes to tlie
guidance offered by the CDC and local public health officials and make necessary
adjustments in the interest of public health and administration of justice. The Court will
vacate or amend this Administrative Order no later than February 18,2021.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated this 20‘^ day of November 2020.
NANCY J. ROSENSTENGEL
Chief U.S. District Judge
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