The current administration's immigration enforcement has become one of the most documented sources of constitutional violations in modern American history: warrantless home entries, stops based on race and language, two American citizens killed in Minneapolis this year, dozens of noncitizens dead in detention, and physical and sexual abuse extensively documented. Over 170 U.S. citizens have been held against their will whether during immigration raids or protests, including 20 children - two with cancer (ProPublica, Oct. 16, 2025). According to DHS documents reviewed by Congress, nearly 40% of ICE arrests involve no criminal record and less than 14% involve a violent criminal record (CBS News, Feb. 9, 2026). A PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist Poll found 60% of Americans believe ICE uses excessive force (Feb. 5, 2026) - yet the abuses continue.

Illinois' Bivens Act offers baseline protection but faces active court challenges. If struck down, nothing stands between our community and the worst of what we've seen elsewhere. ICE has been in Kankakee County around 18 times in the past year, causing families and entire neighborhoods to live in fear.

Local governments have the power to act - and many already have. Batavia, Aurora, Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Carpentersville, and Oak Park have all taken steps to protect residents and keep local resources focused on local priorities. Kankakee County municipalities have yet to act. Send a letter today asking your mayor to protect the dignity and safety of every resident in this community.

Click Here for Bourbonnais Petition

Sources:
ProPublica - 170 US Citizens Held Against Will https://www.propublica.org/article/immigration-dhs-american-citizens-arrested-detained-against-will

CBS Reporting Internal DHS Statistics - 40 & 14% https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/