The Illinois TRUST Act Protects Immigrants Who Interact With Police

 Posted on December 19, 2017 in Uncategorized

While city and state officials across the country work to create laws aimed at helping undocumented immigrants remain in the United States, the State of Illinois passed legislation aimed at easing fears of deportation for illegal immigrants arrested locally. Although they may still need to appear in court for traffic violations or other minor offenses , the threat of detention, deportation, or even questioning of their immigration status is no longer something immigrants need fear during interactions with police.

A Simple Traffic Stop No Longer Leads to Deportation

The new Illinois law signed by Governor Bruce Rauner this past summer makes it illegal for law enforcement officers to detain individuals for federal agencies, such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It is believed that this will empower those who once feared deportation to feel more comfortable when reporting crimes or interacting with police.

Latest Court Ruling

Last month in Chicago, a federal judge upheld a previous decision that protected cities and states across the country that were implementing sanctuary laws for immigrants considered to be in this country illegally. Sticking to a ruling he made earlier, a U.S. District judge in Chicago refused to change his mind and prohibited the United States Attorney General from withholding federal monies from jurisdictions that opted not to cooperate with federal immigration officers.

The preliminary injunction first issued stated that the City of Chicago might damage its relationship with the immigrant community if it complied with federal rules. The ruling also stated that the Attorney General overstepped that office’s authority by threatening to withhold federal money from those departments that did not comply. The judge was asked to review the ruling and narrow its scope so that it would only apply to Chicago. In issuing the latest ruling, the judge refused to narrow the application of his decision, applying his decision to all jurisdictions seeking to implement sanctuary laws while the matter continues to make its way through the courts.

Protect Your Rights and Freedom by Hiring an Experienced Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

Regardless of your citizenship or immigration status, every person is entitled to competent and knowledgeable representation in court. Rely on an experienced Joliet traffic violations and criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, while building an aggressive defense strategy on your behalf. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. provides every client with a meticulous review of their case using years of experience and reliable resources. Contact our office today at 815-740-4025 to schedule a free consultation.