Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) is under scrutiny after directing illegal immigrants to state-backed resources that provide guidance on navigating federal immigration enforcement.
Stratton’s instructions come as the Trump administration’s Justice Department (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Illinois for allegedly offering in-state tuition and scholarships to illegal immigrants, potentially conflicting with federal law.
During a public address, Stratton highlighted a state-run website designed to assist illegal immigrants. “
If you or someone you love aren’t sure what resources exist for immigrants in our state, I want you to go to illinoisimmigrationinfo.org … On the front page, there’s a red button that says, ‘Learn Your Rights,’ that takes you to a complete ‘Know Your Rights’ toolkit where you can access specific guidance for different scenarios,” she said.
The site also links users to the National Immigrant Justice Center, a nonprofit that reported receiving over $2.6 million in government grants in its most recent fiscal filing.
It also offers programs such as The Resurrection Project’s biweekly virtual trainings, held in English on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST and in Spanish on Thursdays at 6 p.m. CST, which educate participants on interacting with federal authorities.
Stratton added, “Our goal is not to scare anyone, but to prepare everyone to face some ugly realities in the coming days.”
Critics argue that these instructions may constitute “aiding and abetting” illegal immigrants and could conflict with federal law, according to BizPac Review.
The controversy follows comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who urged Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) to reconsider what she called “dangerous sanctuary policies,” as previously highlighted by Resist the Mainstream.
Noem cited the arrest of Gabriel P. Calixto, a Mexican national accused of fatally stabbing a 24-year-old woman in Springfield while in the country illegally.
“We need to return to law and order and put the safety of Americans first,” she stated.
Pritzker defended the state’s policies, labeling federal intervention “un-American” and rejecting the deployment of federal troops to assist local law enforcement.
During a press conference, he said, “A U.S. president invading a city with troops. It is un-American. We always need help with crime, but not troops.”
Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) has openly opposed the deployment of the National Guard or other federal forces in the city, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting residents’ constitutional rights and local law enforcement protocols.
Johnson implemented the “Protecting Chicago Initiative,” coordinating city departments to safeguard illegal immigrant communities while ensuring public safety.
Critics say these measures mirror sanctuary policies and could create legal challenges.
The DOJ’s lawsuit seeks to block Illinois from providing state benefits to illegal immigrants and challenges sanctuary policies that conflict with federal authority.
Officials argue that enforcing federal immigration law is essential to protecting communities and maintaining nationwide compliance.
Public debate over Illinois’ immigration policies is expected to intensify as the legal battle continues.
Stratton’s promotion of state-backed resources, combined with Johnson’s opposition to federal deployments, has sparked criticism from conservatives who say such measures could endanger citizens and undermine law enforcement.
Supporters argue the guidance helps illegal immigrant families prepare for encounters with federal authorities without fear.
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