Gov. JB Pritzker signs bills protecting Illinois immigrants from federal immigration enforcement
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a slate of legislation Tuesday morning to protect immigrants from "unjust" federal immigration enforcement actions.
The new law puts several preventative measures in place, including banning immigration arrests at courthouses.
Thousands of people were arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents during two and a half months of heightened enforcement action the Trump administration dubbed Operation Midway Blitz.
Pritzker signed the bill at La Villita Community Church at 2300 S. Millard Street in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, which saw intense ICE raids in which federal agents deployed tear gas and detained several people, including U.S. citizens and two city employees.
The signing was accompanied by several passionate speeches from people who helped make the legislation a realty. They are proud of their work, but many are frustrated these measures are even necessary. They are also upset the bill didn't pass unanimously in Sprinyfield.
"What more needs to happen that you will come and support us?? This is time for everyone to speak up including those on the other side," said State Sen. Omar Aquino.
House Bill 1312 passed during the fall veto session in the thick of Operatin Midway Blitz.
"Together, we're sending a message to Donald Trump, to Kristi Noem, to Gregory Bovino and anyone else seeking to terrorize our people: your divisiveness and brutality are not welcome here," the governor said.
The legislation will require hospitals, schools and childcare centers to protect information about students', patients' and clients' immigration status, and to complete organizational planning to uphold the rights of those they serve in the event of immigration enforcement activity.
Pritzker also signed a bill passed by the General Assembly in October that prohibits civil immigration arrests at court hearings and court buildings.
Finally, the slate of legislation will also allow people to file civil lawsuits against law enforcement officers who violate Illinois or U.S. constitutional rights of members of the public, Pritzker said.
"This new set of laws can't mitigate all harm but gives new tools and are a symbol of protective action," said the governor.
Tuesday's bills signing comes about a month after Pritzker issued an executive order creating a commission to keep a permanent record of alleged civil rights abuses by federal agents in Chicago.
Many of these policies go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.