SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon advanced legislation out of the Senate on Thursday responding to infringements on personal liberty by federal immigration agents in Illinois.

“Masks might conceal their faces, but they can’t hide the constitutional abuses we’ve seen daily,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This gives the growing number of victims a clear, legal path to go after the abusers and hold them accountable.”

The measure encompasses initiatives of the Illinois Senate Latino Caucus to protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicago and across the state.

It would allow Illinois citizens and residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

The measure would also codify long-standing common law protections to ensure parties, witnesses, and their family members can access the justice system without fear of civil arrest. The legislation would create a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses, including parking facilities and surrounding streets. Violations would carry civil damages for false imprisonment.

“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking their freedom,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Courthouses must be places where people can resolve disputes, testify and support loved ones – not be sites of fear or intimidation. This measure ensures that everyone, regardless of background or immigration status, can safely access the justice system without the threat of being detained or harassed. Justice cannot exist where fear takes its place.”

The legislation further would require public colleges and universities to establish procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests and would prohibit unauthorized disclosure of immigration status.

“No one should have to look over their shoulder when they go to class. These are places of learning – not fear,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we choose compassion over cruelty. By protecting our college campuses from ICE intrusion, we’re saying loud and clear that every person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in our communities.”

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals would be required to develop comprehensive policies for law enforcement interactions by early 2026, with $500 daily penalties for noncompliance. Licensed daycare centers would also be required to adopt policies for interacting with law enforcement, including parental notification and consent requirements before sharing children's information, while prohibiting disclosure of citizenship or immigration status unless legally required.

“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 State Senator Omar 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.”

House Bill 1312 passed the Senate Thursday.