SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House members will be asked this week to make state-funded places where Illinois' most vulnerable citizens gather as the very same locations criminals will be able to find sanctuary from immigration authorities.
SB 31, dubbed by supporters as the "Illinois Trust Act," passed the Illinois Senate last week along party lines, with all Democrats voting "Yes," and all Republicans voting "No," except Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno, who voted "Present." Six Democrats did not vote.
If the bill becomes law, tax-funded pre-schools, hospitals, nursing homes and mental health facilities statewide – where Illinois' most defenseless and vulnerable gather – are where criminals will find protection from immigration law enforcement.
The bill's description says those seeking sanctuary would be shielded if they simply step onto the grounds or into these Illinois facilities:
… State-funded schools, including licensed day care centers, pre-schools, and other early learning programs; elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education; State-funded medical treatment and health care facilities, including hospitals, health clinics, emergency or urgent care facilities, nursing homes, group homes for persons with developmental disabilities, community-integrated living arrangements, and State mental health facilities; facilities operated by the Office of the Secretary of State; and circuit courts, State appellate courts, or the Supreme Court …
State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Westchester), who is sponsoring SB 31 in the Illinois House, told the State Journal Register in February, “I think this is an important piece of legislation that sends a signal to the rest of the state and the rest of the country that Illinois is a safe place to live and we are a welcoming state.”
On the other hand, State Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) introduced legislation that would strengthen law enforcement's hand as a counter to SB 31-type laws. His bill, HB 2942, would be similar to the bill Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Sunday. Democrat Speaker Mike Madigan has not given a thumbs up to allow Skillicorn's bill out of Rules Committee.
Skillicorn told the State Journal Register he was opposed to spending state money on measures like SB 31 and said he’s concerned about the potential loss of federal funds if state and local law enforcement do not cooperate with federal authorities.
Governor Rauner has not indicated whether he would sign SB 31 into law if he reaches his desk.
