Illinois Attorney General Issues Guidance on Law Enforcement’s Role in Immigration Enforcement

Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued new guidance to Illinois law enforcement, stressing their duty to follow state laws that restrict involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The goal is to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, strengthen public safety, and clearly define the limits of state and local authority. The guidance outlines the provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act, the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act, and the Way Forward Act. These laws collectively aim to build cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement by preventing local agencies from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement. They also establish protections for immigrant survivors of violent crimes and human trafficking. A Clear Division of Responsibility “Civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government,” Raoul stated. “State law does not grant local law enforcement the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws. This includes participating, supporting, or assisting in any capacity with federal immigration enforcement operations unless federal agents have a criminal warrant or federal law specifically requires it.” Raoul emphasized that the TRUST and VOICES acts do not hinder local agencies from conducting criminal investigations. Instead, these laws enhance public safety by ensuring victims and witnesses can...