State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) has signed on as the leading Chief Co-Sponsor of legislation that addresses critical flaws in Illinois law that allow undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes to remain in Illinois communities. The proposed legislation would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to protect families, increase public safety, and remove dangerous offenders from the streets.
“Right now we have a governor who is speaking out of both sides of his mouth,” said DeWitte. “On one hand he is saying that undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes should be deported; that he doesn’t want them in Illinois or any other state. Then, at the same time, he is doubling down on the provisions of the TRUST Act, which expressly prohibits law enforcement from coordinating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to have known non-citizen criminals deported.”
Senate Bill 1313 would require law enforcement across Illinois to work with ICE to ensure that undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of a felony are identified, reported, and deported.
Recent guidance from the Illinois Attorney General highlights the current barriers to cooperation. Those working in the Department of Corrections, for the State Police, or for other law enforcement entities received a memorandum this month that reminded them that under 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.” This includes a prohibition against DOC officials alerting ICE when a noncitizen criminal in prison is about to be released. Through current Illinois laws, coordination with ICE is only permitted under very narrow circumstances, such as when a federal warrant has been issued.
SB 1313 remove this barrier and fosters 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.
“There is widespread support from Republicans and Democrats alike to have law-breaking noncitizens deported,” added DeWitte. “If Governor Pritzker is serious about public safety and getting non-citizen felons off our streets and out of Illinois, he will stop sending mixed messages and allow law enforcement to work with ICE so these people can be found and deported. The people of Illinois deserve nothing less.”