SPRINGFIELD – To protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and secure access to essential services amid rampant immigration enforcement activities, State Senator Omar Aquino advanced legislation outlining protections for hospitals and daycare centers.

“Daycares and hospitals should be places of safety and security, not targets of intimidation. No parent should have to wonder if dropping off their child could put their family at risk, and no person should fear if going to get medical attention will cause them more suffering,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We’ve already seen ICE agents come into a hospital room in my district. We’re not talking about what could happen – it’s already happening. The time to act is now.”

State Senator Omar Aquino announced that the 2nd Senate District is set to receive over $10.5 million for improvements to local roads and bridges as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.

“Investing in infrastructure is how we honor our responsibility to future generations,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “It’s not just maintenance or reconstruction — it’s legacy building. Whether it’s one project now or ten later down the road, these investments are crucial in every aspect for safer travel.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will soon have access to additional refinancing options for their student loans thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Omar Aquino.

"As the cost of living continues to soar, student loan borrowers need access to meaningful economic relief tools in order to build a secure future,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Offering more loan options and reducing interest rates will help borrowers hold on to more of their income for other important expenses."

The new law allows the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans and work with financial institutions that provide refinancing for student loans. Refinanced loans at lower rates will result in lower payments for borrowers, freeing up spending power and supporting the local economy.

SPRINGFIELD – Amid alleged due process violations and changing immigration policies, State Senator Omar Aquino championed a new law to secure representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings.

"As federal immigration policies continue to shift, it is our responsibility to ensure immigrant communities are not left without access to legal counsel. No family should face uncertainty alone,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “We are committed to maintaining reliable, accessible legal support, regardless of changes at the federal level. Stability and justice must remain a constant in our communities."

The new law expands the jurisdiction of the Cook County Public Defender to represent non-citizen Cook County residents in immigration cases arising or being heard outside of the county. The law also allows the county board to authorize representation by the public defender beyond those limits.