Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) has joined critics of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s policy ending communication between the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials when immigrants are released from state prisons.
“I am deeply disturbed the administration believes it is good for public safety to release illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes,” said Miller. “These are not good people. These are the same people from whom President Trump is working to protect us; the rapists, the murderers, and child pornographers.”
Up until January 30, immigrants who completed their prison sentences were turned over to federal immigration authorities. After their transfer to federal custody, an individual’s immigration status was reviewed and considered by a judge. With the policy change, non-citizens are released into communities without notifying residents.
Last year, 223 inmates moved from Illinois Department of Correction facilities at the end of their prison sentences and transferred to the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee. The transfer occurred with a notification from IDOC, at the request of ICE officials.
But, in January, the Department of Corrections stopped notifying federal authorities and immediately released former inmates into the communities where they had served their sentences.
Pritzker is basing his policy on the 2017 Illinois Trust Act. It notes that state law does not give law enforcement at the state or local levels the authority to enforce federal laws, and that nothing in the act would authorize them to do so.
“In Gov. Pritzker’s attempt to ‘stick it to President Trump’ he is endangering Illinois families and law enforcement," Miller said. "I strongly encourage the governor to reconsider this reckless policy.”
Miller represents Illinois' 110th District. He lives in Oakland with his wife, Mary.
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