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.

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.

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus statement on armed federal agents in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone."

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate new quantum hub on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO — Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

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Edly-Allen highlights success of SmartBuy Program, reducing student debt and increasing housing accessibility

GRAYSLAKE — With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

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Sound of the State: The Safe Schools for All Act

State Senator Graciela Guzman and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.

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Collins: Birth Equity plan is vital for Illinois residents

CHICAGO — State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

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Hastings files legislation to combat 'cost shifting' practices in insurance rate setting

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

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Ventura brings mental health support to Joliet Junior College

JOLIET — Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

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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.