Dear neighbor,

I am staying in close contact with local leaders and monitoring the situation as the federal administration moves forward with plans to station ICE agents and National Guard troops at Naval Station Great Lakes and throughout Chicago. These actions — without invitation or justification — represent an alarming overreach of federal power. Threatening U.S. cities with military tactics is not only an affront to our democracy, it erodes the trust and cooperation that real public safety requires.

I stood with Lake County leaders, state officials, community members and organizations to make our position clear: This federal presence is not needed here. Watch my remarks here:

As your state senator, I can tell you Illinois has made real progress in reducing violence. There is no data showing we are in a crisis that warrants a military takeover. The people being targeted are not criminals — they are our neighbors, our friends, the kids learning in classrooms alongside our children, and the hardworking business owners in our communities, who are all living in fear.

With limited information being shared with the city and state, there is much uncertainty about what to expect. I’ve included below a few reliable resources for you to share with those who may need them.

Sincerely,

Julie Morrison
State Senator | 29th District

Community Resources

(Note: For legal advice concerning individual immigration situations, you should consult with an attorney. Free and low-cost immigration legal services can be found here.)

Illinois Immigration Information Hub

The Illinois Immigration Information Hub is a partnership between the state, leading immigrant rights organizations, legal aid providers and local governments. Visit IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org for guides on legal rights and resources.

Know Your Rights

Everyone in Illinois has rights, regardless of documentation status. Whether you’re seeking guidance on immigration enforcement, understanding your rights or accessing resources for someone you know, the above guide includes vital information.

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights partners with over 60 nonprofit organizations that provide services throughout Illinois. For assistance, call their 24/7 Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693.

Illinois Welcoming Centers

Illinois Welcoming Centers offer case management assistance for immigrants and can connect individuals to the appropriate agencies for state and federal services. In our community, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center offers a variety of resources and services, including health resources, educational classes and workshops, and immigration legal services.