Hernandez-Backed Legislation to Abolish For-Profit Detention Centers Awaits Governor’s Signature

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For-profit detention centers used to carry out Donald Trump’s inhumane family separation policy would be banned in Illinois, under legislation passed by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, which is now awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.

“Yesterday, we learned that the youngest child taken away from their parents by Donald Trump was four months old. Four months,” Hernandez said. “This is beyond appalling, which is why we took matters into our hands at the state-level and passed legislation to abolish for-profit detention centers.” 

Hernandez championed House Bill 2040, which will prohibit the state or any unit of local government from operating for-profit detention facilities, such as one approved in Dwight, Illinois earlier this year. The Hernandez-backed legislation would also prohibit any unit of government from providing financial incentives to develop, manage or operate any private detention facility. The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support and now awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.

Hernandez also passed House Resolution 343, which urges the Illinois Investment Policy Board (IIPI) to divest from any for-profit detention centers, ensuring taxpayer dollars do not go toward companies that contract to detain migrant children.

“What’s happening in detention centers is a violation of human rights, so states must take it upon themselves to crack down on them,” Hernandez said. “We cannot allow companies that profit off the detention of children in our state, so I urge Governor Pritzker to move quickly and sign this vital legislation into law.”