CHICAGO — As part of a sweeping civil rights package responding to recent federal actions in immigrant and working-class communities, a proposal spearheaded by State Senator Villanueva to protect the right of all Illinois residents to safely access courthouses without fear of harassment, detention or intimidation has become law.

“Courthouses are meant to serve as pillars of justice, not places of fear,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “In my district and across Chicago, families, survivors of violence, and immigrant residents have been skipping court dates out of fear that showing up could put them in danger. That is not justice. By enacting this law, Illinois is making it clear that no one should be intimidated out of exercising their rights.”

CHICAGO — As part of a sweeping civil rights package responding to recent federal actions in immigrant and working-class communities, State Senator Celina Villanueva was instrumental in passing legislation through the Senate to ensure every person can safely access Illinois courthouses without fear of harassment, detention or intimidation.

“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking their freedom,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) condemned the latest wave of federal aggression in Little Village, where agents returned to terrorize the community with tear gas and arbitrary abductions:

“Our neighborhoods continue to be invaded, this time with chemical weapons, as federal agents fired tear gas at residents and protesters, creating panic, confusion and harm. This is not law enforcement: it is violence.

“They are snatching people without warrants, without due process, acting as judge and captor in the street. They are dragging people into vans, including documented citizens, with no regard for the law or the constitution. These acts are unconstitutional and terroristic by design.

“Our neighbors should not be treated like combatants in their own homes. Children should not wake up to explosions of gas in their streets. Families should not fear that walking to the store or standing on their block could lead to abduction and violence.

“Let me be clear: these actions are unconstitutional, unlawful and inhumane. Agents are operating with zero regard for civil rights or the Constitution. I stand with Governor Pritzker in demanding transparency and accountability. The creation of the Illinois Accountability Commission is a critical step to document these abuses, expose the truth and hold those responsible to account.

“To residents: my office stands with you. If you, your loved one or your neighbor is facing an encounter with federal immigration agents, please call ICIRR’s Family Support Network for assistance at 855-435-7693.

“This community will not submit to fear. Rather, we will force justice on this abuse of power.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to today’s federal activity in Little Village:

“Once again, federal agents stormed into our communities — crashing vehicles, terrorizing families and abducting at least eight residents, including documented U.S. citizens. This was not an ‘operation.’ It was a violation, a blatant assault on our community and our constitutional rights.

“Families were thrown into panic, children watched as neighbors were dragged away and entire blocks were left in fear. These agents acted without transparency, without accountability and without regard for the law or the lives they shattered. What happened today was not public safety, it was violence.

“These unconstitutional actions are the behavior of a government targeting its own people. They are acts of tyranny, violating the fundamental rights of citizens and non-citizens alike. No agency should have the authority to descend on neighborhoods and abduct residents from their cars, their homes or their streets.

“I am demanding immediate answers from federal leadership and calling for oversight and restraint. Illinois must draw a clear line: our communities are not war zones, and our people are not targets.

“To residents: my office stands with you. If you, your loved one or your neighbor is facing an encounter with federal immigration agents, please reach out for assistance at 773-565-4661 or visit our website. You are not alone.

“This community will not be silenced by fear. We will stand firm, speak out and protect one another.”