East Central Reporter

Adam Niemerg, a state representative for Illinois House District 102, expressed opposition to House Bill 2436 (HB2436), citing concerns that it provides free benefits to illegal immigrants in the state. Niemerg made this statement in a Facebook post on April 10.

"I continue to fight free benefits for illegal immigrants in Illinois," said Adam NIemerg, according to Facebook. "HB 2436 would allow free services for "residents" of Cook County from the Public Defender. There are no guidelines to prevent free legal help for illegal immigrants."

According to Niemerg, the bill's broad definition of "resident" could result in an influx of illegal migrants to Cook County, where they would receive legal representation if detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also highlighted that the state has spent $3 billion on illegal immigrants and referenced former President Trump's discussions about withholding funding from sanctuary cities. Niemerg said that legislation like HB2436 pushes Illinois further toward sanctuary city status.

Screenshot of State Representative Adam NIemerg's April 10 Facebook post | State Representative Adam NIemerg's Facebook page

House Bill 2436 was filed by Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz on February 3, 2025. The bill aims to limit public defender representation in counties with populations over three million. According to the state's webpage, the bill was moved to the Senate on April 14, 2025, and had its first reading on the same day. It seeks to restrict public defender services to individuals whose cases are heard within the county’s geographical boundaries and to county residents with immigration cases outside the county unless authorized by the county board. If enacted into law, it would take effect immediately.

The Cook County Record reported in March that Cook County passed a resolution in February expanding its public defender’s office mission to represent individuals in immigration court. Currently, migrants facing deportation do not have the right to an attorney as individuals do in criminal court. This move reflects Cook County's broader approach to providing legal representation for immigrants navigating the legal system.

Niemerg represents Illinois’ 102nd District after previously serving the 109th District since January 13, 2021. A native of Teutopolis, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and attended Lake Land College. Before joining the Illinois General Assembly, Niemerg worked as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial.