State Senator Don DeWitte, a Republican from St. Charles, has become the Chief Co-Sponsor of a legislative proposal aimed at addressing issues in Illinois law concerning undocumented immigrants involved in violent crimes. The legislation seeks to provide law enforcement with enhanced capabilities to safeguard communities and remove dangerous individuals.
Senator DeWitte criticized Governor Pritzker's stance on immigration enforcement. "Right now we have a governor who is speaking out of both sides of his mouth," said DeWitte. He pointed out the inconsistency between the governor's stated desire to deport criminal undocumented immigrants and the limitations imposed by the TRUST Act, which restricts coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The proposed Senate Bill 1313 mandates that law enforcement agencies across Illinois collaborate with ICE to identify, report, and deport undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of felonies.
Recent directives from the Illinois Attorney General have highlighted existing obstacles to such cooperation. A memorandum issued this month reminded law enforcement personnel that under the TRUST Act, they are prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement operations or notifying ICE about noncitizen criminals due for release from prison. Current state laws only allow coordination with ICE under limited conditions, such as when a federal warrant is present.
SB 1313 aims to eliminate these restrictions and promote stronger collaboration between state and federal authorities. The bill focuses on targeting operations against undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of serious offenses like violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes.
"There is widespread support from Republicans and Democrats alike to have law-breaking noncitizens deported," DeWitte added. He urged Governor Pritzker to align his actions with public safety goals by permitting law enforcement cooperation with ICE. "The people of Illinois deserve nothing less."
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