Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill to Protect Immigrants from Unjust Federal Actions

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined bill sponsors, officials, and community advocates in Chicago’s Little Village to sign HB 1312. This pivotal legislation enshrines protections for immigrant families in Illinois in the wake of the Trump Administration’s lawless and aggressive immigration enforcement actions.

“With my signature today, we are protecting people and institutions that belong here in Illinois. Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois — in the face of cruelty and intimidation — has chosen solidarity and support. Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Gregory Bovino have tried to appeal to our lesser instincts. But the best of us are standing up to the worst of them.”

HB 1312 ensures immigrants and others impacted by hostile federal actions in Illinois can safely attend court hearings, protect their health information, join university communities, and access childcare for their families without fear of aggressive civil immigration enforcement actions. Additionally, it outlines steps to provide legal recourse for individuals harmed by law enforcement agents who knowingly violated Constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement operations.

“In the face of federal agents causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, the people of Illinois have stood together in solidarity,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “This legislation strengthens protections at critical locations, from day care centers to courthouses, ensuring these spaces remain safe for families and communities. We continue to stand with those who peacefully raise their voice to protect their neighbors.”

Significant measures in HB 1312 include:

Everyone in Illinois deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and justice under the law — no matter how they look, what language they speak, or where they were born. While the Trump Administration abandons Constitutional principles and wreaks havoc on Illinois communities at places like hospitals, school campuses, and day cares, the Pritzker Administration is stepping up to defend immigrants from unlawful treatment.

“Safeguarding children in our licensed day care centers is central to our mission. HB 1312 strengthens that work by establishing clear protocols and ensuring families receive accurate information about their rights,” said DCFS Director Heidi Mueller. “These measures reinforce the safe, supportive environments that families expect and that every child in Illinois deserves.”

“HB 1312 helps bring additional protection to licensed day care centers, staff, and families. We want families to feel safe and give day care teachers and staff the tools to protect their own safety and the safety of families in their care. The heightened presence of immigration enforcement has brough the opposite of peace of mind to families and staff at day care facilities,” said IDEC Secretary Teresa Ramos. “As state agencies, DFCS and IDEC will work hand in hand to ensure the proper tools and resources are provided so that day care centers are prepared and remain safe, welcoming environments for all Illinois families.”

“Every person in Illinois deserves access to health care without fear,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). “HB 1312 ensures that hospitals, schools, and childcare centers, our most trusted community institutions, remain places of safety and dignity. This new law reinforces IDPH’s commitment to building a healthier and safer Illinois for all families and communities.”

“Every one of us has read about the consequential moments of our history and wondered what we would do. Would we stand up to Jim Crow? Would we speak out against the internment camps? Would we stand between our neighbors and the SS? We’re facing another one of those consequential moments right now, and this law shows what we will do,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Westchester). “In Illinois, we will stand up for the rights of every person. We will stand up for our neighbors and our communities. We will stand up to racial profiling, to reckless hate, and to tyranny. We will stand together in this moment and the moments still to come, and we will make sure Illinois is always on the right side of history.”

“There is no badge, no title, no mask that puts anyone above the Constitution. This law sends the message that if you abuse your authority, there are consequences,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our rights follow us into the courthouse, onto campus, at the hospital, and when taking our kids to day care. No one gets to take them away. We are providing the victims of this chaotic federal assault a clear, legal path to go after their abusers and hold them accountable.”

“Today is a historic day for Illinois. With HB 1312, we are once again proving that our state will live up to its values, even as the federal government targets and dehumanizes our immigrant communities,” said State Representative Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “This bill is a testament to the power of unity and relentless advocacy. We’re using every tool available to protect our families and ensure our communities are safe for everyone who calls them home, regardless of their skin color or where they were born.”

“As aggressive immigration enforcement continues to spread, Illinois will stand as a pillar of accountability and justice. We will not allow ICE to go unchecked as they endanger our children and sow chaos in our communities,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “In Illinois, we will continue to protect each of our residents, regardless of immigration status.”

“Education is a cornerstone of our democracy — a right for all Illinoisans that must be defended, regardless of immigration status. We cannot allow armed, masked federal agents inciting chaos in our communities to deprive our neighbors of their Constitutional rights,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “Despite the federal administration’s attempts to stifle justice and due process, Illinois will continue to uphold these fundamental rights for every person that calls our state home.”

“By passing and signing this bill into law, we have affirmed our state’s commitment to the safety and inclusion of every family, regardless of immigration status,” said Linda Tortolero, President and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum. “We’re once again demonstrating to the country that in Illinois, we stand by immigrant families, democracy, and civil rights.”

“At a moment when the Trump Administration attacks immigrants on a daily basis, everyday people in Illinois stepped up to look out for their neighbors and demand real protections that re-establish our state as a national leader in protecting all communities,” said Lawrence Benito, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). “We thank Governor Pritzker and members of the General Assembly for showing the leadership needed to meet the moment, listening to immigrant communities, and making HB 1312 law in Illinois.”

“The Trump administration's aggressive courthouse sweeps discouraged participation in the courts and seriously hampered the court's ability to administer justice for Illinois residents,” said Martín Klein, Legislative Staff Attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). “This bill would help to ensure that all residents can seek justice without fear, which in turn guarantees that courts can operate efficiently.”

HB 1312 will take effect immediately.

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