SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has enacted a new law that prohibits federal immigration officials from enforcing immigration actions in sensitive areas including courthouses, hospitals, college campuses, and day care facilities. This law takes immediate effect and is a direct response to recent federal crackdowns on immigration in the Chicago area, initiated under the Trump administration.
The newly signed legislation addresses the rising concern among immigrant communities, ensuring that individuals can access vital services without fear of detention. Pritzker emphasized the importance of this initiative during a bill-signing event held in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Chicago, stating, Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task. He proclaimed that Illinois is choosing solidarity and support over intimidation.
Additionally, the law grants individuals the ability to pursue legal action if their constitutional rights are violated during enforcement operations, including the potential for receiving $10,000 in damages for those unlawfully arrested while attending court proceedings. This move comes in light of ICE's “Operation Midway Blitz,” which resulted in the arrest of over 3,000 individuals in recent months, further highlighting the pressing need for protective measures in the state.
The newly signed legislation addresses the rising concern among immigrant communities, ensuring that individuals can access vital services without fear of detention. Pritzker emphasized the importance of this initiative during a bill-signing event held in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Chicago, stating, Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task. He proclaimed that Illinois is choosing solidarity and support over intimidation.
Additionally, the law grants individuals the ability to pursue legal action if their constitutional rights are violated during enforcement operations, including the potential for receiving $10,000 in damages for those unlawfully arrested while attending court proceedings. This move comes in light of ICE's “Operation Midway Blitz,” which resulted in the arrest of over 3,000 individuals in recent months, further highlighting the pressing need for protective measures in the state.
