Senate Democrats pass landmark legislation to enhance civil rights amid ICE activities

 

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon advanced legislation out of the Senate on Thursday responding to infringements on personal liberty by federal immigration agents in Illinois.

“Masks might conceal their faces, but they can’t hide the constitutional abuses we’ve seen daily,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This gives the growing number of victims a clear, legal path to go after the abusers and hold them accountable.”

The measure encompasses initiatives of the Illinois Senate Latino Caucus to protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicago and across the state.

It would allow Illinois citizens and residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

The measure would also codify long-standing common law protections to ensure parties, witnesses, and their family members can access the justice system without fear of civil arrest. The legislation would create a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses, including parking facilities and surrounding streets. Violations would carry civil damages for false imprisonment.

“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking their freedom,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Courthouses must be places where people can resolve disputes, testify and support loved ones – not be sites of fear or intimidation. This measure ensures that everyone, regardless of background or immigration status, can safely access the justice system without the threat of being detained or harassed. Justice cannot exist where fear takes its place.”

The legislation further would require public colleges and universities to establish procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests and would prohibit unauthorized disclosure of immigration status.

“No one should have to look over their shoulder when they go to class. These are places of learning – not fear,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we choose compassion over cruelty. By protecting our college campuses from ICE intrusion, we’re saying loud and clear that every person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in our communities.”

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals would be required to develop comprehensive policies for law enforcement interactions by early 2026, with $500 daily penalties for noncompliance. Licensed daycare centers would also be required to adopt policies for interacting with law enforcement, including parental notification and consent requirements before sharing children's information, while prohibiting disclosure of citizenship or immigration status unless legally required.

“Daycares and hospitals should be places of safety and security, not targets of intimidation. No parent should have to wonder if dropping off their child could put their family at risk, and no person should fear if going to get medical attention will cause them more suffering,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “We’ve already seen ICE agents come into a hospital room in my district. We’re not talking about what could happen – it’s already happening. The time to act is now.”

House Bill 1312 passed the Senate Thursday.

Food Pantries and Resources Around the District

Addison

Addison Township Pantry
50 East Oak Street, Addison, IL 60601
630-530-8161 Ext. 158

Bensenville

Tioga Elementary School
212 West Memorial Road, Bensenville, IL 60106

Bensenville Wood Dale Food Pantry
192 S Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106
630-766-9382

Chicago

Fraternite Notre Dame
502 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60644
773-261-0101

Helping Our People Excel Community Development Corporation
5912 W Iowa St., Chicago, IL 60651
773-921-2243

Pine Avenue United Church
1015 N Pine Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
773-287-4777

Westside Health Authority
5417 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651
773-378-1878

Sheridan Carroll Charitable Works Fund, Inc.
2015 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60707
773-237-4937

Elmwood Park

Elmwood Park Community Church
2334 North 75th Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707
224-319-7836

Franklin Park

Leyden Family Services
2501 Mannheim Rd., Franklin Park, IL 60131
847-773-1535

Melrose Park

Lighthouse of Hope Assembly
1719 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
773-921-1243

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
1119 N 23rd Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-344-4140

River Forest United Methodist Church
1112 N 9th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-356-6743

Oak Park

New Life Ministries C.O.G.I.C.
634 N Austin Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302
772-640-0919

Beyond Hunger
848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301
708-386-1324

New Life Christian Fellowship
6235 W North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
224-423-1791

President Harmon discusses criminal justice reform on Restore Justice panel

 

Earlier this month, President Harmon joined Restore Justice for a panel celebrating the organization’s 10-year anniversary.

The panel shared real stores of the transformational impact Restore Justice has had on individuals navigating the criminal justice system in Illinois.

President Harmon shared the story of how he first became involved in efforts to reform the criminal justice system and discussed some of his accomplishments, including:

• Ending “policing for profit” by requiring accountability of law enforcement agencies that seize property and a more transparent system for innocent property owners.
• Expanding the number of convictions that are eligible to be sealed under Illinois law.
• Reinstating parole in Illinois for youthful offenders who commit a crime before the age of 21 and are given long sentences for certain crimes.
• Eliminated mandatory life sentences for certain juvenile offenders.
• Makes someone under the age of 21 serving a life sentence for first degree murder eligible for parole review after serving 40 years or more of their sentence.

 

Harmon speaks to high school students at civic engagement fair

Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) spoke about the importance of civic engagement to a packed auditorium at Oak Park-River Forest High School as part of their Civics Service Learning Fair.

Harmon was part of a panel discussion including State Rep. Camille Lilly, State Rep. LaShawn Ford and Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi.

Hundreds of juniors and seniors participated, learning about nonprofit and volunteering opportunities in our community.

Students also browsed 29 tables representing local nonprofits at the event.

The Civics Service Learning Fair is held twice a year at OPRF High School for students enrolled in the Civics class.