Illinois lawmakers are advancing House Bill 3247, which aims to protect non-citizen children from immigration enforcement while ensuring access to public education. Sponsored by state Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, the measure would prohibit immigration enforcement actions in schools unless agents present a valid federal warrant.
During a March 19 hearing in the Illinois House Education Policy Committee, Jiménez argued that the bill safeguards students and school communities from immigration-related disruptions. However, Republican lawmakers raised concerns over its financial impact and public safety implications.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, challenged claims that the bill would not burden taxpayers. Martin Klein of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund insisted that education for non-citizen children is already a constitutional right and that the bill itself does not generate costs. However, the Illinois State Board of Education has requested $35 million in New Arrival Student Grants to assist local school districts in educating newly arrived students.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, questioned whether the bill would hinder Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from apprehending an 18-year-old illegal immigrant with a detention order. Fred Tsao of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights clarified that ICE could still make arrests outside school premises but not within school buildings. Wilhour compared this policy to Cook County Jail’s non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which has drawn criticism for enabling criminal activity.
Illinois law already restricts state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials on civil immigration detention orders, including preventing jails from notifying ICE when holding non-citizens in custody. Jiménez’s bill is expected to be amended before further consideration.
