Illinois Democrats tell feds to stop trying to 'usurp' state authority over immigration

Illinois Democrats are pushing back on Trump-era attacks against the state's immigration-related policies, arguing the statutes uphold the Constitution, support public safety and leave federal authorities free to do their jobs.

"These policies are in accordance with the law, maintain local autonomy, boost local economies, focus law enforcement resources on serving local needs, and promote effective policing strategies that foster trust between police and the communities they serve," reads a letter by Rep. Jesus Garcia and Sen. Richard Durbin. 

"Similarly, the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance prevents the arrest or detention of an individual solely on the basis of a civil immigration violation and prevents local officials from giving ICE access to detainees unless such access is based on a legitimate law enforcement purpose that is not civil immigration enforcement," Garcia and Durbin wrote.

"Consistent with the Illinois TRUST Act, the Welcoming City Ordinance does not prevent ICE from engaging in immigration enforcement activities," they said, adding that Cook County - which includes Chicago - has similar policies.

"Therefore, in passing these laws, Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago - along with hundreds of other jurisdictions across the country - protect local resources while ensuring compliance with the Constitution and leaving the enforcement of federal immigration law to federal officials."

"These laws neither impede nor interfere with the enforcement of federal immigration law by federal authorities."

Fox News Digital also reached out to DHS for comment but did not hear back by press time.