SPRINGFIELD – Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of involvement in criminal activity – sometimes without a conviction. Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino, stronger data collection and reporting requirements will take effect Jan.1 to improve transparency under the Illinois Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act.

“Too often, civil asset forfeiture has harmed working-class families and communities of color who already face barriers in our justice system,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law ensures Illinois has accurate, accessible information so policymakers, advocates and the public can understand how forfeiture practices affect real people and identify where improvements are needed.”

SPRINGFIELD – A 2024 law created the Illinois Department of Early Childhood to streamline services and improve coordination across different programs for children and their families. Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Omar Aquino, the department will create the Early Child Integrated Data System to further strengthen collaboration across the early childhood landscape come Jan. 1.

“Our children deserve the best possible opportunities to grow and learn,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This new data system will allow the department to ensure families aren’t slipping through the cracks and allow us to focus our investments based on accurate, actionable data.”

SPRINGFIELD – As the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Midway Blitz continues forcibly in communities across Chicago and the state, a new law championed in part by State Senator Omar Aquino will protect Illinois residents by outlining procedures for hospitals and daycare centers.

“As we have seen, the question is not if ICE appears at a daycare center or hospital – but when. Fear has no place in spaces devoted to caring for our most vulnerable,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Our neighbors should not have to choose between accessing essential services and risking their safety. Working people should not fear being taken while supporting their family.” 

The proposal – spearheaded by Aquino – will require all Illinois hospitals to develop comprehensive policies governing law enforcement interactions. Hospitals would be required to establish protocols for verifying law enforcement identity and authority, protecting patient privacy, and providing immigration rights information. General acute care hospitals would be required to comply by Jan. 1, 2026, and all other hospitals by March 1, 2026, with penalties of $500 per day for noncompliance.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and secure access to essential services amid rampant immigration enforcement activities, State Senator Omar Aquino advanced legislation outlining protections for hospitals and daycare centers.

“Daycares and hospitals should be places of safety and security, not targets of intimidation. No parent should have to wonder if dropping off their child could put their family at risk, and no person should fear if going to get medical attention will cause them more suffering,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We’ve already seen ICE agents come into a hospital room in my district. We’re not talking about what could happen – it’s already happening. The time to act is now.”