Illinois Way Forward Act (SB 667)
Signed into law: August 2, 2021
Governor: J.B. Pritzker
Status: Active Law
Why This Bill Protects Immigrant Communities
- Ends ICE detention contracts: Prohibits cities and counties from entering into contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house or detain immigrants in local jails
- Closes state detention centers: Effectively eliminated all ICE detention centers in Illinois by January 1, 2022 (previously Kankakee, McHenry, and Pulaski County facilities)
- Prohibits police-ICE collaboration: Bars local law enforcement from asking anyone in custody about their immigration status
- Prevents ICE transfers: Prohibits police from transferring arrested individuals into ICE custody or collaborating on deportation raids
- Protects access to programs: Prevents denial of services, benefits, or placement in rehabilitation/educational programs based on immigration status or immigration detainers
- Strengthens crime survivor protections: Requires written explanations for U visa certification denials and allows appeals
- Creates accountability: Mandates annual compliance reports to the Attorney General and authorizes investigations into violations
- Builds community trust: Ensures families are not afraid to take children to school, seek medical attention, attend court, or report crimes
Key Quote
"This is a celebratory moment for immigrants across Illinois, and a significant step towards getting ICE out of our communities entirely." — Lawrence Benito, Executive Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights