Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is scheduled to sign a new bill Tuesday that expands legal protections for immigrants and restricts certain civil immigration enforcement actions across the state.
The measure, set to become law during a signing ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at a Chicago church, includes several key provisions aimed at shielding individuals from what supporters describe as overly aggressive or intrusive federal immigration practices.
Under the new law, civil immigration arrests will be prohibited at designated “sensitive locations,” including courthouses, hospitals, schools, and day care centers. State leaders say the goal is to ensure people can access essential services without fear of being detained.
The legislation also gives individuals the right to sue federal immigration agents for alleged violations of their constitutional rights during civil enforcement actions. Those lawsuits may include statutory damages of $10,000 for false imprisonment, in addition to any actual damages proven in court.
In addition, the bill expands existing whistleblower protections, offering more safeguards for employees who report violations of the act or cooperate with investigations.
Supporters say the new law reinforces Illinois’ commitment to protecting immigrant communities, particularly as federal enforcement efforts continue to spark legal and political debate nationwide.
Governor Pritzker is expected to outline the legislation’s impact and implementation during Tuesday’s event.
