Today, I voted for the Illinois Trust Act, a proposed law that clarifies that Illinois police aren’t immigration agents and should spend their time solving crimes rather than participating in federal round ups.

And let me tell you why the Trust Act is needed to help stop the fear that is gripping our communities like a tightening fist.

In November 2015, the governor of Illinois joined a wave of Republican governors in denying refugees entry into our state.

Just a few months ago, I saw that same governor unveil a state budget plan that eliminated immigrant integration services and wipes out funding for welcoming centers.

And then, just a few days ago, I heard the governor’s prison director say the state is holding on to two empty state prisons and all the available prison cell space because ‘you never know when you’re going to all of a sudden need it.’

At a time when the President of the United States is talking about rounding up immigrants, comments like those send a chill down my spine.

I see where this is going and we need to stop it now.

And so, today I proudly cast a vote for the Trust Act, a proposal that sends the message that Illinois is a state that welcomes diversity and has always been home to wonderful immigrant communities. It seeks to strengthen our communities and make them safer by opening doors for increased cooperation between immigrants and law enforcement.