Jiménez Advances New Bill Stopping Trump’s Detention Centers in Neighborhoods

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to end the abusive and disruptive presence of Donald Trump’s deportation agents across Illinois communities, State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, is advancing a new bill to prohibit immigration detention centers in neighborhoods where everyone should feel safe.

“Ever since the federal government deployed masked agents into our communities and established detention centers near our homes, daycares, and schools, our sense of safety has been deeply shaken,” said Jiménez. “Immigrants and even U.S. citizens—have been violently targeted. Protesters outside detention centers, like the one in Broadview, as well as those participating in mass demonstrations, have been met with tear gas and excessive force. These detention centers have no place in our communities.”

Since the launch of Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz in September 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have terrorized communities in Chicagoland and across the state of Illinois through excessive and deadly force. Additionally, reports show a massive increase in deaths in ICE detention facilities, with more than 30 people dying in custody.

ICE’s presence has been especially disruptive for neighbors, as armed masked agents patrol residential streets and often sit within a short distance of places of worship, schools, daycare centers and small businesses. In Broadview, which houses an ICE immigration detention facility, this has resulted in significant challenges for local residents.

Jimenez is protecting communities across Illinois from these federal incursions by supporting House Bill 5024, which would create new restrictions on immigration detention facilities in neighborhoods, restricting such operations within 1,500 feet of a home or apartment complex, as well as any school, day care center, public park, or house of worship.

“All Illinoisans deserve to feel safe and secure in their own neighborhoods, regardless of citizenship status,” said Jiménez. “Children should be able to attend school and daycare, and families should be able to go to church, without the fear that stepping outside could lead to separation from their loved ones. This legislation is a step forward in protecting our communities and strengthening safety across our neighborhoods.”