Lisa Hernandez Celebrates Expanded Protections Against Trump’s Raids

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CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, released the following statement after the governor signed House Bill 1312, a measure that strengthens protections for Illinoisans against unjust and unconstitutional immigration enforcement operations:

“For every video of an immigration agent smashing car windows, firing on a protester or terrorizing innocent families, I have seen twice as many showing the overwhelming support, love and courage of everyday people who have organized and will do anything to protect their communities.

“These networks of activists, organizers and everyday Illinoisans have kept people safe and ICE off our streets. Our work this Fall Veto Session was fueled by these on-the-ground operations to help walk kids to school, hand out whistles to alert of nearby ICE activity and put these officers on notice when they harass and maul innocent people.

“To those who have kept up these efforts, Springfield has your back. These new protections will ensure that people can partake in our judicial process, get treated at a hospital, take their kids to daycare and walk on a college campus.

“This is, by no means, a static issue. There will be challenges to our efforts, but justice and the indomitable spirit of our communities will prevail.”

The Hernandez-backed 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, her 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, barring higher education institutions from disclosing citizenship information, requires staff to be trained on verifying immigration warrants and helps students access immigrant rights resources.