Protecting our neighbors when federal power overreaches

Over the past months, communities across Chicagoland – our communities – and Minneapolis have been shaken by scenes that belong in history books warning us what not to become: masked federal agents jumping out of unmarked vans, grabbing residents off sidewalks, terrorizing families outside schools, hospitals and courthouses. In the most horrific incidents, they have killed innocent people exercising their constitutional rights.

Working together, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, and a broad coalition of advocates, passed a new law designed to restore some measure of dignity, accountability and basic constitutional order. I was proud to sponsor it — and prouder still to see it signed immediately into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The purpose is simple: your rights follow you everywhere. Into the courthouse. Onto campus. To the hospital. To your child’s daycare. No badge, no title, no mask puts anyone above the Constitution.

You can read the rest of my op-ed in the Wednesday Journal here:

In defense of dignity and the rule of law - Wednesday Journal

Harmon calls college GOP social media post “vile and bigoted,” supports university review

SPRINGFIED, ILL – A Republican student group’s inflammatory social media post glorifying violence and dehumanizing immigrants has no place in our society, said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, in a statement supporting the University of Illinois’ investigation of the incident. Here is Harmon’s full statement:

“The imagery and message posted by college Republicans at the University of Illinois is vile and bigoted. It glorifies violence, dehumanizes immigrants and echoes some of the darkest moments in our history. It has no place in our society.

“All students — especially immigrant and international students — deserve to feel safe and respected. I support the university’s immediate review, and I urge campus leadership to treat this incident with the seriousness it warrants. Free expression is not a shield for hate. Illinois will always stand for dignity and reject bigotry and the toxic politics of dehumanization.”

Read more here:

‘Fell the enemies:’ Illini Republicans support ICE amid killings - The Daily Illini

Illini Republicans at University of Illinois under fire – Chicago Tribune

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

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus championed a new law aimed at safeguarding residents' constitutional rights and maintaining access to essential public services during increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Chicago and throughout the state.

The law responds to reports of intensive federal immigration operations in Chicago and other Illinois communities that have sparked concerns about potential constitutional violations and reduced access to critical services.

“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 daycare. 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.”

The law 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 will 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 law will 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 law will also create a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses, including parking facilities and surrounding streets. Violations carry civil damages for false imprisonment.

“For too long, individuals, especially immigrants and survivors of violence, have feared showing up in public spaces where they have every right to be,” said Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “House Bill 1312 reaffirms Illinois’ commitment to protecting privacy and due process by making sure our hospitals, schools and courthouses remain safe and accessible to everyone. We are saying clearly: your rights do not stop at the door.”

The law further will require public colleges and universities to establish procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests and prohibits the unauthorized disclosure 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.”

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals will be required to develop comprehensive policies for law enforcement interactions by early 2026, with $500 daily penalties for noncompliance. Licensed daycare centers will 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.

“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.”

House Bill 1312 was signed into law Tuesday and takes immediate effect.

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