Ortíz Expands Protections Against Trump’s Raids

CHICAGO – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, celebrated the signing of a package of measures that aims to protect against unjust and unconstitutional immigration enforcement operations, marking a bold step towards protecting communities from abusive and unjust federal immigration enforcement operations.

“For months on end, my community, and countless like it, have been pummeled by masked, unidentifiable federal agents kidnapping kids and mothers off the street,” Ortíz said. “Meaningful immigration enforcement policy should not include smashing in car windows during school drop off. Today marks a bold first step in counteracting this gross abuse of federal power.”

Ortíz’s House Bill 1312 allows for a private right of action against agents who, in the process of conducting immigration enforcement, knowingly violate the Illinois Constitution.

Additionally, the legislation establishes protections for those without citizenship who are at or near hospitals, courthouses and daycares. The legislation prevents federal immigration enforcement actions at or near courthouses and requires hospitals and daycares to create formal policies for handling law-enforcement interactions and bars cooperation with immigration enforcement unless there is a judicial warrant.

The legislation also establishes protections for Illinois college students, bars higher education institutions from disclosing citizenship information, requires staff to be trained on verifying immigration warrants and helps students access immigrant rights resources.

“I am eternally grateful to the network of advocates, organizers and everyday citizens who stepped up to protect their communities,” Ortíz said. “You have made a serious difference in the health and wellbeing of our vulnerable neighbors. As a former school counselor, I know how important it is for our kids to have support from their family, friends and community. Today, we are showing that not only does Springfield have your back, but that we will not back down from this fight.”