Chicago police are being reminded of restrictions on assisting federal immigration raids, as state law prohibits local officers from enforcing immigration laws, detaining individuals based on immigration status, or coordinating with ICE.

Signed into law in 2017 under Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and strengthened by Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in 2021, the policy emphasizes protecting immigrants while allowing for deportation of convicted violent offenders.

Critics, including Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, argue the law hampers public safety, citing cases where undocumented individuals avoided ICE detention despite criminal involvement, WGN 9 has reported.

Pritzker has shown no plans to modify the law further.

Written by B.C. Begley