Castro: Everyone should feel safe to report a crime regardless of immigration status

• VOICES Act
• 102nd General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage victims of crime to make reports, assist law enforcements with criminal investigations and promote transparency in the criminal justice system, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) has passed a measure to enhance the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors Act.

“The VOICES Act of 2018 was a good start in encouraging people to report crimes, especially violent ones, regardless of citizenship status,” Castro said. “These enhancements to the act will do even more to support both victims of crime and law enforcement in their investigations.”

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Castro issues statement in reaction to Floyd verdict

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement on Tuesday’s decision to convict Derek Chauvin on the three charges brought against him for the death of George Floyd:

“While nothing will ever make up for the torture George Floyd experienced in the final minutes of his life and the loss his family will live with forever, I’m relieved that our court system worked the way it should today.

“Time and again, we see Black and Brown people harmed by the criminal justice system. Real reform is past due, and I’m hoping the outcome of this trial will be a step forward in providing accountability and preventing more tragedies like this in the future.”

Sen. Castro issues statement on the death of Adam Toledo

 State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement in response to the release of body camera footage of the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who was shot and killed by police in Chicago on March 29:

“My heart breaks for the family of Adam Toledo, and my condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.

“We have seen this tragedy play out over and over again in this country, and it never gets easier. This is a system that needs to be reformed through better training, higher standards and more accountability.

“We also need to build communities that give families like Adam’s more opportunities to succeed. Black and Brown communities are so often left behind when it comes to educational and economic opportunities.

“This is a heartbreaking and preventable situation. As we look toward reform, we need to make sure that Black and Brown communities have their voices heard to help prevent any more tragic situations like this one.”

La Senadora estatal Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) dio a conocer la siguiente declaración acerca del video de la cámara corporal portada por un oficial de la Policía sobre la muerte de Adam Toledo de 13 años, quien fue baleado por un oficial en Chicago el 29 de marzo.

“Tengo el corazón roto por la familia de Adam Toledo, envío mis condolencias a todos aquellos que lo conocieron y que lo amaron.

“Hemos visto esta tragedia una y otra vez en este país, y siempre es difícil. Tenemos un sistema que debe ser reformado dando un mejor entrenamiento, manteniendo estándares más altos y con más rendición de cuentas.

“También necesitamos construir mejores comunidades que otorguen a familias como las de Adam más oportunidades para tener éxito. Las comunidades afroamericana y latina frecuentemente se quedan rezagadas en cuanto a las oportunidades educativas y económicas.

“Esta es una situación que nos rompe el corazón y que se pudo prevenir. Al tiempo que nos enfocamos en hacer reformas, debemos garantizar que las voces de las comunidades afroamericana y latina son escuchadas para prevenir situaciones trágicas como esta.”

Castro champions measure to promote historic preservation

• Historic Preservation

SPRINGFIELD – To help promote the preservation of historic properties throughout the state, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) has introduced a measure to encourage people who own historic structures to preserve and rehabilitate their properties.

“Historic buildings can teach us about our past while being utilized for our future,” Castro said. “Through rehabilitating and revitalizing these buildings, property owners can bring jobs, housing and businesses to their community while keeping its historical roots.” 

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