SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said police across Illinois have a hard enough job to do without trying to double as federal immigration officers. Cullerton is sponsoring SB 31, known as the Trust Act, that clarifies the limited circumstances for when law enforcement in Illinois would check immigration status. The proposal is designed to foster trust between police and immigrant communities and refocus resources on fighting priority crimes.

“If someone is going to be detained in Illinois it should be because an actual crime has occurred, not because of how they look, what they believe or what paperwork they may or may not have. This proposal reinforces the message that our immigrant neighbors are in fact part of our community. It is my hope that this legislation will enhance interaction between the immigrant community and state and local police to improve safety and the quality of life for all Illinoisans,” said Cullerton.