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.
House Bill 1312 would also require licensed daycare centers to adopt policies notifying parents and requiring parental consent before sharing children's information with law enforcement, update emergency contact procedures, and establish protocols when parents face immigration enforcement. Centers would not be permitted to disclose citizenship or immigration status information unless required by law and could not consent to law enforcement entry without valid judicial warrants, orders or subpoenas.
The signing of this law follows an incident that occurred on Chicago’s North Side where witnesses say ICE arrested a daycare worker inside Rayito de Sol daycare center.
“As aggressive immigration enforcement continues to spread, Illinois will stand as a pillar of accountability and justice. We will not allow ICE to go unchecked as they endanger our children and sow chaos in our communities,” said Aquino. “In Illinois, we will continue to protect each of our residents, regardless of immigration status.”
House Bill 1312 was signed into law Tuesday and is effective immediately.
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