FREEPORT – State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is slamming a new law signed today by Gov. JB Pritzker. The law makes it harder for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and police to do their jobs and easier for criminals and illegals to avoid accountability.
“The governor’s decision to once again side with illegal criminals instead of law enforcement is vile and repulsive,” Sen. Chesney said. “At this point, every Illinoisan can see exactly where the Democrats’ priorities are: They protect those who break the law and leech the resources provided by our hard-earned tax dollars.”
House Bill 1312 now signed into law does the following:
- Allow those trying to obstruct law enforcement officers and ICE agents to sue them for simply doing their jobs.
• Punish officers for using standard safety measures—like masks, tactical gear, or unmarked vehicles—while giving criminals more protection than cops.
• Create 1,000-foot “safe zones” around courthouses that could shield people facing deportation or criminal charges from arrest — imposing limits on police that are more severe than the restrictions placed on sex offenders.
• Force colleges to tip off illegal immigrants when enforcement is happening, giving offenders a heads-up before officers even arrive.
• Require hospitals to protect illegal immigrants over cooperating with law enforcement, forcing staff to focus on immigration “rights” instead of patient care.
“Illinois families are being drained dry by some of the highest taxes in the country, and Democrats are stabbing them in the back by funneling their hard-earned money to people who have no legal right to it,” Sen. Chesney said. “Their actions make one thing clear. Illegal immigrants matter more to them than you.”
