After federal immigration agents arrested a suburban community college student while on campus this September, State Senator Cristina Castro supported a new law protecting Illinois residents in locations such as daycares, hospitals and college campuses amid ongoing federal raids.

“Our immigrant neighbors have remained in the crosshairs of this federal administration for daring to reach for the American Dream,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This law makes good on the promise that all people, no matter their immigration status, are able to pursue that dream without fear.”

The law encompasses initiatives to protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights across the state.

It will allow Illinois citizens and 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.

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

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

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals must 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.

“Having crossed oceans and rivers, valleys and deserts, immigrant communities across the state look for stability and security,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We are able to say firmly to those communities: the state of Illinois has your back.”

House Bill 1312 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective immediately.