The legislation would ban immigration detention centers from being built near community buildings. The decision is still awaiting senate approval. This would prohibit the construction of these facilities within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day care centers, cemeteries, public parks, forest preserves, private residences and public housing. This policy would not impact pre-existing detention centers.
The bill was sponsored by house speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch, who represents the Broadview area. He claims the legislation is a product of the experience of the local community. He advocated for distancing this disruption of chaos from the places where people frequently worship, play with their children, and live.
Republican pushback refers to California policy, which was a ban struck down in federal court. House speaker Welch remains confident in his legislation, arguing that rather than proposing a ban, they are working with the federal government to protect the local communities at stake.