State Senator Ram Villivalam backed a new law responding to infringements on personal liberty by federal immigration agents in Illinois.

“No one should have to live in fear of leaving their house to go to school or work due to their perceived immigrations status,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Meanwhile, so many of our neighbors are living that reality. They are scared of accessing health care they need, to show up for their next shift or drop their children off at school out of fear of being detained by federal agents based on as little as their skin color or the language they speak.”

The new law encompasses initiatives of the Illinois Senate Latino Caucus protecting Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensuring safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicago and across the state.

It allows Illinois residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

It also codifies long-standing common law protections ensuring parties, witnesses, and their family members can access the justice system without fear of civil arrest. The new law also creates a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses, including parking facilities and surrounding streets. Violations would carry civil damages for false imprisonment.

It further requires public colleges and universities to establish procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests and prohibits unauthorized disclosure of immigration status.

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals are required to develop comprehensive policies for law enforcement interactions by early 2026, with $500 daily penalties for noncompliance. Licensed daycare centers will also be required to adopt policies for interacting with law enforcement, including parental notification and consent requirements before sharing children's information, while prohibiting disclosure of citizenship or immigration status unless legally required.

“I am proud to have joined my colleagues in voting for this law, as we are ensuring every Illinoisan is safe, respected and protected when interacting with federal agents, no matter their perceived immigration status,” said Villivalam.

House Bill 1312 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect immediately.