Illinois Lawmakers Push to Ban Immigration Detention Centers Near Schools, Homes

Proposed legislation would prohibit detention facilities within 1,500 feet of sensitive locations.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:27am

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Illinois lawmakers are pushing a measure that would ban immigration detention centers from being located within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day care centers, cemeteries, public parks, forest preserves, private homes, and public housing. The bill was approved by an Illinois House committee and is supported by House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, whose district includes an existing ICE processing center.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to limit the placement of immigration detention centers in close proximity to sensitive community locations, addressing concerns about the impact of such facilities on nearby residents, especially vulnerable populations like children. The bill reflects ongoing debates around immigration enforcement policies and the role of detention centers.

The details

The measure would prohibit the establishment of immigration detention centers within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day care centers, cemeteries, public parks, forest preserves, private homes, and public housing. The bill was approved by an Illinois House committee and is supported by House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, whose district includes an existing ICE processing center.

  • The Illinois House committee approved the measure on March 27, 2026.

The players

Emanuel 'Chris' Welch

Illinois House Speaker who testified in support of the bill.

Katrina Thompson

Mayor of Broadview, Illinois, whose district includes an existing ICE processing center, and who testified in support of the bill.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow immigration detention centers to be placed in close proximity to our schools, homes, and other sensitive community locations.”

— Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, Illinois House Speaker

“This legislation is critical to protecting the wellbeing of our residents, especially our children, from the impacts of detention facilities.”

— Katrina Thompson, Mayor of Broadview, Illinois

What’s next

The proposed legislation will now move to the full Illinois House for consideration.

The takeaway

This bill reflects ongoing debates around the placement and role of immigration detention centers, with lawmakers seeking to limit their proximity to sensitive community locations like schools and homes.