CHICAGO – State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar released the following statement recognizing the Illinois State Police’s (ISP) recent report detailing their 2025 firearm enforcement operations which have taken thousands of illegal firearms off the streets and out of the hands of domestic abusers and criminals:

“Our neighborhoods are safer because of the hard work of the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement’s continued dedication to keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers, criminals and those who pose a threat to themselves and others.

“As part of these efforts, I am proud to have supported Karina’s Law last year to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to keep firearms out of reach of domestic abusers and those with protection orders against them. This measure ensures survivors are supported, abusers are held accountable and communities are safer.

“ISP’s report shows us that effective public safety strategies must always include robust firearms possession enforcement. The children in our communities deserve safe streets to play and grow up in, and survivors of domestic violence should know law enforcement has their back.

“There’s more work to do. I am committed to working with ISP and our local law enforcement advocates to keep building on this progress in the coming months.”

ISP announced Thursday that the agency conducted 1,001 firearms enforcement operations statewide, resulting in 4,949 people brought into compliance with state firearms law. These operations focused on individuals that are subject to a Firearms Restraining Order, received a criminal conviction, are a Clear and Present Danger, and more.

In 2025, Guerrero-Cuellar helped pass House Bill 4144 which allows law enforcement to remove a firearm from an individual who has an order of protection for domestic violence entered against them. Karina’s Law is named after Karina Gonzalez, who was murdered along with her daughter after she filed an Order of Protection against her husband.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, condemned President Donald Trump’s pardon of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists yesterday. Rather than focusing on the cost of living challenges families face across the country, Trump used his first day in office to free more than 1,000 criminals who attacked law enforcement officers and tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power on one of the darkest days in American history.

“As the wife of a police officer, who comes to Springfield everyday to support our first responders, I am appalled that President Trump would pardon people who attacked, injured and killed brave police officers. What message are we sending to the families of these officers that their attackers can just walk free? While the President disrespected law enforcement with this unthinkable action, I am proud to support our first responders.”

Guerrero-Cuellar’s House Resolution 118 lays out in clear language the violence, destruction and lethality of Trump’s  insurrection, reminding House members and Illinoisans that this was the focus on President Trump’s Day One policies instead of the soaring cost of groceries, gas, housing, utilities and the basic goods and services taxpayers need that he promised to address.

On Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionists attacked the Capitol after being encouraged by President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. Many attempted and succeeded in entering the building, climbing over fencing and injuring police officers to get there. Immediately after being sworn in on Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump proceeded to fully pardon 1,500 insurrectionists, 1,030 of whom admitted their own guilt for their actions.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, is expanding career opportunities for mental health professionals by passing legislation eliminating non-compete agreements for those who serve veterans and first responders. 

Guerrero-Cuellar championed Senate Bill 2737 which prohibits non-compete and non-solicitation agreements for mental health services that support veterans and first responders. Current agreements would be void if they result in an undue burden on veterans or first responders seeking mental health services from licensed mental health professionals. 

“Ensuring our communities have the personnel ready to aid and save lives is critical, but often you have competing organizations cornering the market and preventing employed personnel from doing their jobs. This puts everyday Illinoisans in danger,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “Barring non-compete, non-solicitation agreements means more of our professionals can remain in the field, responding to emergencies and protecting us. While it’s unfortunate that some organizations have stifled emergency response, this legislation will make sure these personnel are there when we need them.”

Guerrero-Cuellar worked during this legislative session to support law enforcement and emergency personnel. She partnered with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to pass Senate Bill 3538, which would ensure municipal governments cover counseling and other resources to meet the mental health needs of first responders. She also passed a reforms package that cracks down on dangerous street racing and side shows, increases reporting on accidents involving school buses and regulates car headlamps (House Bill 5325). 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, is demanding more resources to help first responders face the stresses of the job by advancing legislation to expand access to confidential counseling and mental health resources for police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

“When we support our police, paramedic and fire personnel as they respond to these life and death emergencies, we need to extend that same support as they work through on-the-job traumas in a safe, confidential setting,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “Emergency first responders are heroes in every way, but they aren’t invulnerable to what they see and experience in their line of work. This legislation can and will positively shape the lives of our emergency responders statewide, by prioritizing their wellbeing and supporting their families.”

Currently, cities and counties that cover expenses related to the care of police officers and firefighters directly, rather than through a workers’ compensation insurer, are not required to cover costs associated with mental health counseling. Guerrero-Cuellar is working with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to advance Senate Bill 3538, which would ensure these units of government cover counseling and other resources to meet the mental health needs of first responders. The legislation received bipartisan approval in the Senate.

Guerrero-Cuellar has consistently championed reforms to better support emergency personnel on and off the scene. She passed a reforms package that cracks down on dangerous street racing and side shows, increases reporting on accidents involving school buses and regulates car headlamps (House Bill 5325).

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, moved to improve eligibility for the Illinois State Police (ISP) and its college degree requirements under a new law passed in the House last week. 

“Current and former service members have done more than enough to be eligible to join the ISP’s ranks,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “By expanding this eligibility, we are opening up new opportunities for discharged service members to gain employment and apply their skills to keeping Illinoisans safe.” 

Guerrero-Cuellar’s House Bill 2475 expands the military service that could be used to exempt applicants from the requirement that Illinois State Police Officers have a college degree. An applicant can receive this exemption if they’ve received one of the following service medals: Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia or Kuwait), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The college degree exemption currently exists for those who’ve received the Southwest Asia Service medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, among other medals. 

House Bill 2475 passed unanimously out of both the House and the Police & Fire Committee. The bill now moves to the Senate.

“Our state’s law enforcement agencies deserve the full support and resources of our state government, and we can give them that support with this legislation,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “I am excited to keep working on this in the Senate and continue my commitment to our service members and state law enforcement.” 

“I’ve heard concerns from residents and community organizations about repurposing the
facility at 71st Street and Pulaski Road for migrant housing. I thank everyone for their
thoughtful feedback. After careful consideration, IDHS determined the site is not a
viable option for housing migrant families due to safety and security concerns. I will
continue to support welcoming migrants to our state, and I thank IDHS for being
receptive to the concerns.”
Yo he escuchado las preocupaciones de los residentes y las organizaciones
comunitarias sobre reutilizar la fábrica en la calle 71 y pulaski para el alojamiento de
los migrantes. Yo le doy las gracias a todos por sus comentarios. Después de una
consideración cuidadosa, el departamento de IDHS ha decidido que esa no es un
opción viable para el alojamiento de las familias migrantes debido a las preocupación
es de seguridad. Yo continuaré apoyando la bienvenida de migrantes en nuestro estado
y le doy las gracias al departamento de IDHS por ser receptivos a las preocupaciones.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, is highlighting a new state service that will aid pediatricians and other childcare organizations in providing mental health counseling and services. 

“Our children’s mental health has been rocked by crisis after crisis, especially the on-going COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on their schooling and socialization,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “This program dedicates more aid to emergency departments and schools so that our children can get the tools they need to lead healthier and happier lives not only in my district, but throughout the state of Illinois.” 

The Departments of Health Services (DHS), Public Health (IDPH) and other collaborating organizations will use $2.5 million in federal funds allocated from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration. Pediatric primary care providers and other healthcare professionals will now be able to partner with school-based counselors to help diagnose and treat mental health issues. 

Guerrero-Cuellar currently serves on the Mental Health and Addiction committee, fighting for the very resources provided by this partnership. She also passed record investment in the Pathway to Success program through the state’s most recent budget. The millions of dollars in allocated money are dedicated to crafting more collaborative and targeted solutions to the mental health problems of Illinois children.

“Our children are the future of our state, so it is our responsibility to collaborate with agencies, activists, community members and other stakeholders to give our children more awareness of their mental health needs and the tools to address possible issues,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “Our pediatric and school-based resources are perfect opportunities for us to meet children where they are. I look forward to continuing the fight for more resources for our children’s mental health.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, encourages those with outstanding student loans to apply for one-time relief and be in the know about developing loan forgiveness information. 

“Student loan debt continues to cripple young people across this country, with borrowers having to choose whether to pay their loan balance, rent, or grocery bills. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “Under the federal government’s plan, eligible borrowers can slash a significant portion of their student loan bill. This relief is a great start to lifting people out of poverty and empowering them to build their financial future.” 

The Department of Education will relieve up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000  for non-Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers who make less than $125,000 individually are eligible for loan forgiveness. Scamming operations will likely increase, so those that are looking for definitive information should consult the U.S. Department of Education website www.studentaid.gov. 

“It’s really important that people have verified information about this program, so I encourage everyone to be especially careful of scammers and untrustworthy sites and consult only the U.S. Department of Education website,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “We have to do more to erase student loan debt, but I hope everyone takes advantage of this loan forgiveness opportunity.”

During the Fall, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will host the College Changes Everything Campaign which sponsors workshops and other resources to help prospective college students navigate financial aid and college applications. For more information on ISAC-supported events open to the public, visit studentportal.isac.org/events.