Myths and Truths About Money Bail and the Pretrial Fairness Act

There are many myths around the Pretrial Fairness Act which ends the use of money bond and transforms the state’s pretrial legal system.

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How the Elected Offices on Your Ballot Impact Civil Liberties

There are many important races down ballot in the Midterm elections which impact your rights and civil liberties.

Dark blue background. Dark blue and white hand putting a ballot in a ballot box. Three light blue check marks along the bottom, three red stars across the middle and the ballot box. five yellow fill in bubbles with the fourth filled in along the right.

Racially Disproportionate Traffic Stops Do Not Make Chicago Neighborhoods Safer

Data reported by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) about police traffic stops in 2021 confirm what many people of color in Chicago have experienced throughout their lives: Chicago police do not enforce traffic laws fairly or equitably.

Gray background with faint street map. White text: "Black drivers in CHICAGO were 5 times (highlighted in pink) more likely to be stopped than white drivers.

Resisting Surveillance Based Policing in Our Communities

Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are a powerful surveillance tool increasingly being deployed across Illinois’s communities and expressways. These camera systems are aggressively marketed as a means of reducing violent crime, but are collecting data on every car that drives past. 

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Abortion Rights in Illinois After Roe

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

Maroon background. Collage of the Supreme Court, draft decision, gavel, and hand holding a sign that says "Abortion is Health Care"

Testimony Regarding Proposals to Advance Safety for DCFS Workers

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.

Nora in front of Springfield Capitol Ceiling

Settlement Reached in Challenge to ICE Raids

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.

ICE Settlement Reached

We Fought Back

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.

2021 Accomplishments

Testimony on HB 370: Youth Health and Safety Act

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.

Picture of a group of advocates including those who testified for HB 370