ICE agents are law enforcement. They didn’t write the laws, despite what Democrats might think.
And now a Democrat controlled state is set to vote on a bill attacking ICE agents.
Illinois Legislation Targets Specific ICE Hires
Democratic State Senator Laura Fine introduced legislation (SB 2820) that would prohibit Illinois law enforcement agencies from hiring anyone employed as a federal immigration officer by ICE between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029.
This timeframe aligns with President Trump’s second term. Fine, who is also campaigning for Congress, described the measure as a response to recent incidents involving federal immigration authorities, including fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
She stated: “It is blatantly obvious that ICE officers are not going through extensive training. Hiring ICE agents for our local and state police force is not a priority, keeping our communities safe is. And my bill aims to do just that.”
The bill reflects ongoing tensions in sanctuary jurisdictions, where cooperation with ICE on immigration enforcement remains limited.
Context of ICE’s Enforcement Role
ICE agents play a key role in identifying and removing individuals who pose threats to public safety, including those with criminal records.
In Illinois, state data shows thousands of individuals with active ICE detainer requests, linked to serious offenses such as homicides, assaults, and s*xual predatory crimes. Nationally, ICE operations focus on enforcing immigration laws professionally, with ongoing training emphasized by the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded to the proposal, defending ICE standards: “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is held to the highest professional standard and officers regularly receive ongoing training.”
She added that ICE officers face threats while carrying out their duties, and criticized sanctuary policies for releasing criminal illegal aliens back into communities.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement Cooperation
The bill could limit career pathways for federal agents seeking local roles and further strain federal-state partnerships on immigration matters.
Illinois already permits noncitizens to serve as police officers, and one recent case involved an illegal immigrant from Montenegro working for a local department before ICE intervention. Fine urged support for the measure, saying: “The message is simple: If you enabled the cruelty of the Trump administration, you don’t get to wear a badge in Illinois.”
Proponents of stronger federal-local collaboration argue that experienced ICE personnel bring valuable skills to law enforcement, and blocking their hiring could hinder efforts to maintain secure communities. The proposal remains under consideration in Springfield, highlighting the divide between federal immigration priorities and certain state-level restrictions.
