News & Commentary

In Illinois, all people have the fundamental right to make decisions about their own reproductive health care – including whether to have an abortion. 

There are many actions DCFS can take to better protect its workers and needs to put in place safety measures that caseworkers and investigators have been asking for.

A preliminary settlement recently was announced in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of people in detention after ICE arrested them without a warrant.

In 2021, because of the commitment of supporters and activists like you, the courage of our clients, and the strength of our partnerships the ACLU of Illinois continued to protect and expand civil rights and liberties.

During the 2021 Veto Session, advocates including Emily Werth and Hon. Susan Fox Gillis testified before committee in support of HB 370, a measure that repealed the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.

A state report recently found that DCFS fails to meet the needs of LGBTQIA youth in their care. Heidi Dalenberg recently testified in a committee on a way forward for the agency.

In September 2021, Mayor Lori Lightfoot publicly proposed allowing the City of Chicago to by-pass the Cook County State’s Attorney Office and directly file civil asset forfeiture lawsuits against individuals alleged to be gang members, seeking to seize property and cash of those accused in civil, not criminal court. The state law on which this proposed ordinance is based, the 1992 Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act, has been used with little effect since it passage across the State of Illinois. 

During the last two weeks of October Illinois legislators will be heading back to Springfield. We need you to make your voice heard in support of this important legislation. 

By: Kate