Illinois Panel Backs Buffer Zones Limiting New ICE Detention Sites

Overview

• The House Executive Committee advanced HB 5024 by an 8–3 vote Wednesday, sending the proposal to the full chamber.
• The bill bars new federal immigration detention centers within 1,500 feet of schools, day cares, parks, forest preserves, homes, places of worship, cemeteries and public housing.
• Sponsors say the measure is not retroactive and would not affect the existing ICE processing site in Broadview.
• Republicans opposed the bill and, as reported by The Center Square, warned it would face federal preemption challenges, pointing to a Ninth Circuit ruling against similar bans.
• Broadview’s mayor said the current facility has cost the village more than $700,000 and urged federal reimbursement after protests tied to last fall’s Operation Midway Blitz.