Mah Supports Creation of Immigration Safe Zones

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, signed onto legislation this week that would allow schools, medical treatment and health care facilities, and places of worship to be designated as Immigration Safe Zones.

“Many immigrants who were targets of recent detainments and executive orders are fearful for their safety,” said Mah. “We owe it to everyone living in our nation assurances of protections under the Fourth Amendment. Immigrant families should not live in fear of being torn apart.”

This piece of legislation will create Immigration Safe Zones, which are necessary in order to protect law abiding residents that live in Mah’s district. This will prevent police or other agencies from entering these designated locations for the sole purpose of rounding up individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants. This measure will free up law enforcement officials to focus on the violent criminal activity that is occurring within local neighborhoods.

“We need to be focused on using our resources to stop violent crime, not targeting hardworking families,” said Mah. “The unprecedented tactics that have been used lately under the false flag of security have given us every reason to take marked steps to protect immigrants living in our state.”

Mah is serving her first term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards.