Hernandez-Lead Bill Increasing Legal Protections for Immigrants Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – A measure spearheaded by State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, that will hold law enforcement accountable to protect immigrant communities from any abuses from the U.S. immigration customs enforcement (ICE) has been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.

“I’m proud to finally create a law that prevents residents of our state from being targeted for being immigrants,” said Hernandez. “No one should have to face an unfair bias because of their background.”

Hernandez led the charge on Senate Bill 667, also known as the Illinois Forward Act, which will hold the federal immigration law enforcement agencies and state law enforcement accountable. The new law will prevent any law enforcement agency from asking about the citizenship status of a person or their place of birth. Additionally, it will end and prevent future contracts between both entities to detain any individuals who have violated federal immigration law.

“For years, immigration and customs enforcement agencies have relied on local law enforcement to target individuals who pose no threat to public safety, increasing fear in immigrant and Latino communities and breaking the chains of trust between law enforcement,” said Hernandez. “Families continue to be afraid to take their children to school, seek medical attention, attend court hearings, utilize public services or seek police protection out of fear.”