AURORA – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) is proud to see the signing of a measure that will prohibit state and local law enforcement officials from arresting individuals for immigration violations and encourage residents to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.

“There is no reason for law enforcement officials to ask someone about their immigration status when they report a crime,” said Castro, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “This law will do more to support and empower immigrants in our community who often fear interactions, even positive ones, with law enforcement officials.”

The new law, also known as the Illinois Way Forward Act, prohibits law enforcement agencies from investigating the immigration status of those in the agency’s custody.

Additionally, it prohibits state and local law enforcement from entering into or renewing agreements which would allow them to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations. Currently, the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility is engaged in this kind of agreement. Under the new law, the facility will be required to break this agreement by 2022.

The law was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker Monday and is effective immediately.