SPRINGFIELD – Amid rampant immigration enforcement and alleged due process violations for immigrants across the country, State Senator Omar Aquino championed a measure to fortify representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings.

“The federal administration has targeted immigrant communities to instill fear and chaos in our neighborhoods, but Illinois is pushing back,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We are a welcoming state and we believe in the right to due process for all, regardless of a person’s immigration status.”

House Bill 2436 would expand the jurisdiction of the Cook County Public Defender to represent non-citizen Cook County residents in immigration cases arising or being heard outside of the county. The bill also allows the county board to authorize representation by the public defender beyond those limits.

“Individuals should not be denied access to counsel simply because of where they were detained or processed,” said Aquino. “This is a step forward to protect immigrants in Illinois from the uncertainties they are facing under the current federal administration.”

House Bill 2436 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.