Illinois House Passes Bill Limiting Locations of ICE Detention Centers

New legislation would prohibit federal immigration detention centers from being located near schools, parks, and other community sites.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a plain government building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the political debate over immigration detention centers.The Illinois legislature's move to limit the locations of federal immigration detention centers reflects an ongoing political struggle over the balance of state and federal authority.Springfield Today

The Illinois House has approved a bill that would restrict where new federal immigration detention centers can be located in the state. The legislation, sponsored by House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, would prohibit such facilities from operating within 1,500 feet of schools, day care centers, parks, churches, public housing, private residences, and other similar community locations.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at addressing concerns about the disruptive impact of existing detention centers, like the one in Welch's district in Broadview, which sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Supporters argue the state has the authority to regulate land use and protect local communities, while opponents warn the legislation could invite legal challenges and strain relations with the federal government.

The details

The measure passed the Illinois House on a 72-32 vote, largely along party lines, and now advances to the state Senate. It would not apply retroactively to existing detention centers, but would focus on where new facilities could be sited going forward. Republicans argued the bill could expose Illinois to legal action and push the state into conflict with federal immigration authorities.

  • The Illinois House approved the bill on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Emanuel 'Chris' Welch

The Democratic Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who sponsored the bill to limit the locations of ICE detention centers.

Patrick Windhorst

The Republican House Minority Floor Leader, who warned the legislation could invite legal action and strain relations with the federal government.

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What they’re saying

“The detention center in Broadview sits in the middle of a neighborhood where there are homes nearby, children nearby, families nearby, and a church nearby. It is extremely disruptive to the regular everyday business of the local community.”

— Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, Illinois House Speaker

“We need to take a hard look at what we're doing as a state to make sure we're fulfilling our obligations to protect our citizens and to enforce the laws, including the federal laws of our country.”

— Patrick Windhorst, Illinois House Minority Floor Leader

What’s next

The bill now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over the placement of immigration detention centers, with Illinois seeking to assert more control over land use and community impact while facing potential legal challenges from the federal government.