Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law a package of bills that boost protections for immigrants from federal immigration enforcement actions.
The bills signed by Pritzker includes measures that require hospitals, schools and child care facilities to keep private the immigration status of their students and patients. Another measire allows people to file civil suits seeking monetary damages against law enforcement officers who have been found to violate the state or federal constitution when conducting immigration actions. Pritzker also signed a bill that had been passed by legislators in October that bars immigration actions from occurring at outside court hearings.
At a news conference, Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said that the laws were intended not only to protect Illinois residents but to “send a message” to federal officials. He directly singled out Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino.
“Over the past few months, the Chicago region has been subjected to a relentless campaign of cruelty and intimidation and abuse at the hands of ICE and border patrol agents under the command of President Trump and condoned by the Republican Congress,” Pritzker said. “Everyday activities, like dropping off the kids at school, going to the park with your family, going to the doctor, showing up at your job, has meant risking your safety and your livelihood. Fear and intimidation have been visited upon us by fellow Americans. It’s unconstitutional.”
“Together, we’re sending a message to Donald Trump, to Kristi Noem, to Gregory Bovino, and anyone else seeking to terrorize our people. Your divisiveness and your brutality are not welcome here,” added Prtizker, a frequent critic of the Trump administration.
In a post on X after Pritzker signed the bills, the Department of Homeland Security accused the governor of “refusing to cooperate with” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and alleging that that refusal was allowing murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers to roam free and terrorize more Americans.”
“DHS is calling on Illinois politicians to stop this dangerous derangement and commit to handing over the remaining 4,000 criminal illegal aliens in their custody. It is common sense,” the agency posted.
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