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.”

State Senator Omar Aquino announced that the 2nd Senate District is set to receive over $10.5 million for improvements to local roads and bridges as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.

“Investing in infrastructure is how we honor our responsibility to future generations,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “It’s not just maintenance or reconstruction — it’s legacy building. Whether it’s one project now or ten later down the road, these investments are crucial in every aspect for safer travel.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will soon have access to additional refinancing options for their student loans thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Omar Aquino.

"As the cost of living continues to soar, student loan borrowers need access to meaningful economic relief tools in order to build a secure future,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Offering more loan options and reducing interest rates will help borrowers hold on to more of their income for other important expenses."

The new law allows the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans and work with financial institutions that provide refinancing for student loans. Refinanced loans at lower rates will result in lower payments for borrowers, freeing up spending power and supporting the local economy.