CHICAGO – As communities brace for the threat of federal immigration raids, state Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents to know their rights under Illinois state law intended to check unlawful harassment and racial profiling.
“As Day 1 of the incoming Trump Administration begins, we are already seeing an assault on our communities, its people and our shared hope for a brighter future,” Crawford said. “Reliable sources have warned of massive immigration crackdown operations across the country, with our home city being ground zero for their efforts. Our city and state continue to be in lockstep in our protection of our communities and the immigrant and mixed-citizenship families that constitute them. If you are approached by federal immigration officials, you have the right to remain silent and avoid engaging with them. We all have the responsibility to keep each other safe and lean on our community bonds to resist these extremist efforts.”
Crawford is reminding residents of their rights under Illinois state law, including the Illinois Trust Act and the VOICES Act, which protects all residents from warrantless arrest in a variety of safe spaces, including churches, schools, hospitals, and group homes.
Additionally, immigrant-rights experts are reminding residents to:
– Refuse to open the door to their home unless presented with a warrant signed by a judge.
– Exercise the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
– Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
– If detained, get a lawyer trained in immigration law. Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights helpline at 1-855-435-7693 to connect with experts in immigration law.
For additional resources and tips, visit icirr.org or immigrantjustice.org.
Rep. Michael Crawford
31st District
Springfield Office:
Springfield, IL 62706
District Office: