Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 1312, a law in Illinois that blocks civil immigration arrests in sensitive locations and creates avenues for residents to sue agents who violate rights, protecting campuses, hospitals, courthouses, and child-care facilities.

The measure prohibits federal civil arrests at courthouses and other sensitive sites, and allows fines up to $10,000 if officers arrest someone known to be attending a court proceeding.

The law establishes legal redress for rights violations during federal enforcement actions in the Chicago area, including damages for unlawful arrests during court attendance.

Supporters describe the move as nation-leading in protecting immigrant communities and civil rights.

The legislation is framed as a response to Operation Midway Blitz and its perceived overreach.

Legislative supporters tout the measure as a protective framework for immigrants and institutions.

Officials, including DHS critic Tricia McLaughlin and lawmakers like Senate President Don Harmon, weighed in on the law’s implications and intent.

Context includes ongoing ICE operations, with enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shaping the backdrop.

The bill passed the Senate 40-18 and the House 75-32, reflecting Democratic support amid concerns about federal supremacy and safety risks.

HB 1312, the Health Care Sanctity & Privacy Law, requires hospitals to enact policies on interactions with law enforcement by early 2026, protecting health information and privacy.

Hospitals and campuses must implement policies limiting enforcement access and protecting patient data, with deadlines set for different hospital types.

The law also directs campuses to establish entry policies and includes an executive order creating the Illinois Accountability Commission to review alleged abuses during enforcement operations.

State child-welfare and early-childhood agencies must publish information on parents’ constitutional rights and guidance on short‑term guardianship arrangements.

HB 1312 emphasizes protections for safety at day cares, hospitals, courthouses, and universities and assigns implementation duties to state agencies.

Public colleges, universities, hospitals, and child-care facilities must establish non-disclosure policies around immigration status and should not reveal such information except as legally required.

An amendment to the Child Care Act prohibits sharing a child’s immigration status unless legally mandated.

The law bars disclosure of employees’, students’, or affiliates’ actual or perceived immigration status to external parties.

The piece notes ongoing political context, including criticism from national figures and discussions of deploying National Guard support for enforcement efforts.

The measure is tied to Operation Midway Blitz, with concerns about due process and low conviction rates among detained individuals.

Advocates, including the Latino Policy Forum, praised the law as a stand for immigrant families and civil rights, highlighting its clarity for institutions.

Supporters framed the protections as essential for democracy and community safety, despite potential constitutional scrutiny.

Officials argue the law will improve public safety by reducing fear that keeps residents from seeking medical care or court appearances.

Critics warn of constitutional challenges under the Supremacy Clause, while supporters insist the law is constitutional and necessary.

DHS officials suggested possible conflicts with federal authority, even as supporters defend the measure as lawful protections.

There was no immediate comment from federal authorities following the law’s enactment.

Officials and advocacy groups say the law aims to rebuild trust with immigrant communities and improve access to essential services.

The law is framed as not affecting criminal investigations or residency decisions but restricting where arrests can occur and how data is handled.

National political dynamics under the prior administration are cited as a spur for Illinois to enact protections at the state level.

Guidance efforts encourage families to consider short-term guardianships as part of preparedness for potential detentions.

Hospitals, schools, and courts nationwide are updating policies to comply, with potential federal legal challenges anticipated over state authority.

House Speaker emphasized the legislation as a stand against racial profiling, hate, and tyranny, underscoring Illinois’ protective stance.

HB 1312 took effect immediately upon signing.

Historical incidents, including an ICE detention of a childcare educator in front of a Chicago daycare, contextualize the protections.

Pritzker framed the law as protecting everyday activities—dropping a child at daycare, seeking medical care, or attending classes—from enforcement disruption.

The law was passed by a Democrat-led legislature and signed amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement and civil-rights protections.

Most provisions take effect immediately, with some phased in through 2026.

HB 1312 introduces safeguards for immigrants, including court access protections and privacy for health information.

Pritzker described the measure as shielding everyday life and institutions in Illinois from enforcement disruption and standing up to cruelty and intimidation.

The bill aims to shield health information and child-care access from enforcement actions that violate constitutional rights.

The legislation expands limits on local cooperation with federal immigration authorities by placing location-based restrictions on civil enforcement.

Gov. Pritzker issued an executive order creating the Illinois Accountability Commission to document abuses and recommend reforms.

Illinois lawmakers pressed ahead with the bill as part of a broader pushback against federal immigration enforcement within state borders.

The package is tied to the broader Operation Midway Blitz, which spurred protests and clashes in the Chicago area.