JUST IN: City of Chicago files an amicus brief opposing a lawsuit seeking the immediate release of Cook County Jail detainees due to coronavirus, saying such a move “threatens to consume the resources of the city and endanger the health of its residents.”

The city argues Cook County Jail “continues to house many violent detainees who have been charged with serious crimes, such as murder, sexual assault, and violence against children. If released, the overwhelming majority of these detainees will likely return to Chicago.”

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly is expected to rule soon on a request for a temporary restraining order that could force the release of all “medically vulnerable” detainees at the jail.

For information about this situation, here’s my story w/ @crepeau from Tuesday: https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-dart-jail-lawsuit-hearing-20200407-xplp23bx6janxbce4mvwuc633u-story.html