Illinois House pushes through bill restricting ICE detention centers in state
(The Center Square) – After heavy debate and Republican opposition, the Illinois House passed a bill that would all but ban detention centers from operating in numerous towns and cities across the state.
HB 5024 would restrict federal immigration detention centers across the state. If passed by the senate, it would impact operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Illinois.
Republican legislators have previously criticized the bill, saying it would bring legal disputes against the state.
Sponsor of the bill, Speaker of the House Chris Welch, D-Westchester, defended the purpose of the bill on the floor.
“The detention center in Broadview sits in the middle of a neighborhood where there are homes nearby, children nearby, families nearby, and a church nearby,” Welch said. “It is extremely disruptive to the regular everyday business of the local community.”
Welch has previously said the bill will not retroactively apply to the Broadview detention facility.
Minority Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst, R-Harrisburg, cited California legislation attempting to ban federal detention facilities that brought constitutional challenges, questioning if the bill would invite similar scrutiny.
Welch said there are major differences between the California ban and his bill, which only restricts facilities from operating if they are within 1,500 feet of schools, daycares, parks, churches, public housing and private residences.
Despite the clarification, Windhorst said the bill would push the state further in the direction of fighting the federal government. He called on members to vote against passing it.
“We need to take a hard look at what we’re doing as a state to make sure we’re fulfilling our obligations to protect our citizens and to enforce the laws, including the federal laws of our country,” Windhorst said.
Welch said Windhorst had it backward.
“The federal government is picking a fight with us. We have states rights. We know our rights. We know our power,” Welch said.
Despite criticism, the bill passed 72-32.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Casey Adopts Business District Redevelopment Program Alongside Local Grant Initiatives
Tri-Valley Outlasts Casey-Westfield 11-9 in High-Scoring Tournament Clash
Clark County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning Over Fake Parking Violation Text Scam
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Calumet Christian Uses Late Surge to Defeat Casey-Westfield 5-3
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for February 20, 2026
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
