Chicago — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced a "Know Your Rights" public awareness campaign that provides resources and materials to immigrants, consulate offices and non-profit organizations to educate immigrants on their constitutional rights in the wake of recent federal executive actions on immigration enforcement and so-called sanctuary cities.
In addition to the information, a pocket-sized guide is intended to help immigrants living in Illinois understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement.
"Every Illinois resident has constitutional rights regardless of their citizenship or immigration status," Madigan said. "It is critical that all Illinois residents know their rights when they encounter law enforcement. I encourage people to read and carry a Know Your Rights card with them in case they are approached by authorities."
Madigan created the "Know Your Rights" materials as immigration arrests increase under the current Administration. Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that federal immigration agents are arresting more than 400 immigrants a day, with the most drastic increase in arrests among immigrants who have never been convicted of a crime.
The materials summarize people's rights if confronted by an immigration agent or a police officer, detail what to expect if immigration agents or police officers come to your home, and offer an explanation of your rights if you are arrested. They also provide important reminders about immigration documentation, tips for avoiding dishonest immigration services providers and links to additional resources.
Attorney General Madigan has condemned the federal immigration Executive Orders and has filed seven amicus briefs in five separate lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the travel ban Executive Orders.
Madigan held an immigration and hate crimes summit in February with local civil rights leaders to discuss the impact of the federal executive actions on the nearly 2 million immigrants living in Illinois.
Madigan issued two letters to Illinois Governor Rauner urging him to fight the Executive Orders and protect Illinois immigrants and refugees from discrimination and hate crimes. She specifically asked him and his administration to refuse to deputize Illinois law enforcement to act as immigration officers and police our immigrant communities and to reinstate the Hate Crimes Commission, which is currently dormant.
She also has issued advice about the possibility of scam artists and unscrupulous immigration services providers illegally posing as lawyers or demanding up-front fees for assistance in the wake of the executive actions. Last month, Madigan filed a lawsuit against a Joliet woman operating a fake immigration services business that stole thousands of dollars from local residents.
If you believe you have been a victim of an immigration services fraud, you can file a complaint with Madigan's office or contact her Consumer Fraud Hotlines:
1-800-386-5438 ( Chicago )
1-800-243-0618 ( Springfield )
1-800-243-0607 ( Carbondale )
Spanish Language Hotline: 1-866-310-8398
View Madigan's "Know Your Rights" guide at the link: www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/Know_Your_Rights_Spanish.pdf . . It can be found in Spanish at the link: www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/Know_Your_Rights_Spanish.pdf .
Attorney General Madigan's Civil Rights Bureau protects the civil rights of all Illinois residents. The Bureau enforces civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination, works to strengthen the civil rights laws and participates in community outreach programs. The Bureau also investigates complaints of patterns and practices of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and financial matters.
The Attorney General's Office does not request information about immigration or citizenship status from anyone who contacts the office or files a complaint. Attorney General Madigan encourages individuals to contact her office to report instances of discrimination or harassment by calling her Civil Rights Hotline at 1-877-581-3692.
