CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is calling out the continued pattern of federal intimidation after multiple vehicles identified as belonging to ICE agents were seen parked across from an elementary school, across from her district office, Tuesday afternoon.

“Late yesterday afternoon, agents were positioned in the school’s parking lot and alley, minutes before children were released from after-school programs. Their timing and presence were not coincidental. They were intentional and meant to cause chaos and fear in the heart of our community.

“Witnesses reported erratic driving, nearly ramming into my district office, putting residents and staff in danger. These agents are not acting in the public’s best interest, they are terrorizing neighborhoods, not protecting them. We are also hearing that an individual was picked up along 26th Street, further escalating the panic and confusion these actions were clearly designed to create.

“Our schools are not battlegrounds. Children should not have to walk past armed agents to get home. Parents should not have to fear that federal vehicles outside a school mean danger for their families. This is intimidation, plain and simple, and it has no place in our communities.

“I immediately contacted Chicago Public Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Thankfully, the agents dispersed soon after, and my office staff and the school community are safe. But the fact that this occurred at all is unacceptable.

“I am demanding accountability and an end to these reckless acts that endanger our neighborhoods. Our children deserve safety, not surveillance. Our community deserves peace, not provocation.”

SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“This was not an easy vote, and it was not an easy budget year. There were real tradeoffs—hard conversations, limited resources due to the uncertainty of the federal government, and communities in crisis. But throughout it all, I stayed grounded in my values and the needs of the people I represent. This budget reflects a commitment to protecting our most vulnerable, defending our freedoms and investing in communities too often overlooked.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva continues to break down barriers in higher education by championing legislation to expand access to student financial aid.

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This bill is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

SPRINGFIELD – At a press conference on Wednesday, State Senator Celina Villanueva reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Illinois care infrastructure by advancing legislation to improve compensation for Direct Support Professionals who provide critical daily care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of care for thousands of Illinois residents living with disabilities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).