With public safety top of mind, Illinois Senate Republicans today unveiled a new initiative to address critical flaws in state policies that allow undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes to remain in Illinois communities. The proposed legislation aims to empower law enforcement with the tools they need to protect families, ensure justice is served, and remove dangerous offenders from our streets.
Senate Bill 1313, sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), would require state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ensuring undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of a felony are identified, reported, and deported. Additional legislation, sponsored by State Senators Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), seeks to repeal the TRUST Act in its entirety.
“Governor Pritzker claims he wants violent criminals who are here illegally deported, but the policies he supports make that impossible,” said Senator Anderson. “Our legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect families and remove dangerous offenders. If the Governor is serious about public safety, he should support this bill immediately.”
Recent guidance from the Illinois Attorney General highlights the current barriers to cooperation. Under a state law known as the TRUST Act, “a law enforcement agency or official may not participate, support, or assist in any capacity with an immigration agent’s enforcement operations.” Coordination with ICE is only permitted under very narrow circumstances, such as when a federal warrant has been issued.
Senator Anderson’s legislation aims to remove this barrier and foster stronger coordination between state and federal law enforcement. The proposal supports targeted operations to deport undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of felonies—including violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes—ensuring Illinois takes an active role in removing dangerous offenders and enhancing public safety.
“I appreciate the resolve shown by the Trump Administration in addressing these challenges,” said Senator Bryant. “Prioritizing the deportation of dangerous offenders is essential to protecting our communities. Illinois families deserve better than the dangerous policies Governor Pritzker continues to defend.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker has publicly stated, “Violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported. I do not want them in my state.” However, under the TRUST Act—a law he actively supports—Illinois law enforcement is explicitly prohibited from cooperating with federal immigration officials to deport those very offenders. There is a stark contrast between the Governor’s rhetoric and the reality of state law, which allows undocumented criminals to remain in Illinois communities, undermining his claims of prioritizing public safety.
“The Governor’s policies obstruct justice and prioritize criminals over law-abiding families,” said Senator Andrew Chesney. “It’s time for leadership that stands with law enforcement, not against them. Illinoisans deserve safe streets, not empty promises.”
Senate Republicans urged Governor Pritzker and Democratic lawmakers to support this legislative package and take meaningful action to protect Illinois families.
The Senators unveiled the legislation at a Capitol press conference which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/5izdB59DK4I
***Courtesy of the Illinois Senate Republicans***
