The law, House Bill 5471, bans rapid-fire handguns and rifles, .50-caliber guns, attachments and limits cartridges to 10 rounds for long guns and 15 rounds for pistols, according to the Associated Press. Those already owning these guns are required to register them by Jan. 1, 2024.

The law is somewhat in response to the July 4, 2022, Highland Park shooting, which killed seven people and injured 30 at a Fourth of July parade.

Rock Island County Sheriff Darren Hart and Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker sent out news releases, saying they believe the law is unconstitutional and that they oppose it. They are not alone. Some 90 out of 102 county sheriffs say they won’t aggressively enforce the law. Many of the sheriffs released a letter proclaiming their intent to not enforce the new law, using similar words and phrases.

Booker said: “… Neither myself nor my office will be checking to ensure that lawful gun owners register their weapons with the State, nor will we be arresting or housing law-abiding individuals that have been arrested solely with non-compliance of this act.”

Hart stopped short of saying he won’t enforce the law, which is a proper distinction to make. Illinois sheriffs have a First Amendment right to speak out about laws or whatever they choose. And they can coordinate that message to have a louder voice, as is clearly the case here.

But we think those sheriffs who have said they won’t enforce the law have stepped across an ethical legal line. In Illinois,...

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