Illinois Senate Republicans introduced Senate Bill 1313 on Tuesday, proposing a requirement for state law enforcement agencies to work directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in reporting and deporting undocumented immigrants charged with felonies.
Sponsored by State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), the bill advocates for targeted operations to deport undocumented immigrants who are accused or convicted of serious crimes. Anderson asserts the legislation would provide law enforcement with the tools needed to “protect families and remove dangerous offenders.”
“Governor Pritzker claims he wants violent criminals who are here illegally deported, but the policies he supports make that impossible,” Anderson said in a statement, specifically referencing the Illinois Trust Act as a barrier to effective enforcement.
The Illinois Trust Act, signed into law in 2017 and updated since, limits state and local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Key provisions include:
- Local law enforcement cannot detain individuals based solely on ICE detainers or civil immigration warrants.
- Officers cannot investigate immigration status unless explicitly required by law.
- Local agencies are prohibited from assisting federal immigration operations, transferring individuals to ICE custody, or sharing information about detainees unless mandated by law or a criminal warrant.
- Illinois agencies cannot contract or renew agreements for immigration detention, with all existing contracts ending in January 2022.
Supporters argue the Trust Act ensures immigrant communities feel safe accessing public services and reporting crimes. Critics, like Anderson, claim it hinders public safety efforts.
State Sens. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) have introduced legislation seeking to repeal the Trust Act entirely, allowing greater cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.
SB 1313 faces strong opposition in the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly. However, Republican lawmakers argue the bill represents “common-sense reforms” to protect communities and enforce immigration laws effectively.
Governor J.B. Pritzker has consistently defended the Illinois Trust Act, maintaining it prevents racial profiling and upholds immigrant rights while prioritizing local law enforcement resources for serious crimes. Pritzker has not commented on SB 1313 but has previously opposed measures expanding local cooperation with ICE.
The bill is likely to ignite a heated debate over immigration enforcement and public safety in Illinois.
