Illinois Bill Would Ban ICE Agents From Becoming Police Officers

Another new bill filed in Springfield is sparking quite the controversy across Illinois.  This one is focused on who can and can't serve as a law enforcement officer in the state.

Illinois State Senator Laura Fine discussed Senate Bill 2820 during a press conference.  The legislation would prohibit federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from becoming law enforcement officers in Illinois.  If passed, ICE agents would not be allowed to transition into local or state law enforcement roles.

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Illinois Bill Would Ban ICE Agents From Becoming Police Officers

Bill 2820 specifically bans any ICE agent from becoming a law enforcement officer in Illinois.  The bill also includes language that would limit the concurrent exercise of home rules powers, which refers to the authority local governments have to govern themselves in certain areas.  That could impact how municipalities handle law enforcement hiring policies if the bill becomes law.

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Supporters of the proposal say it's about maintaining clear boundaries between federal immigration enforcement and local policing in Illinois.  The state has previously passed laws limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, and this bill would take that separation a step further.  Like many bills, it's in the early legislative process.  It would need to move through committee and pass both chambers before heading to the governor's desk.  Ask the debate continues over immigration policy and public safety, this proposal adds an extra layer to the ongoing conversation about the role of federal immigration agents at the state and local level.

For now, it's one of several high-profile pieces legislation introduced this session that could have significant implications if approved.

Find all the new bills getting introduced this year in Illinois here.