Illinois defies Trump with new law protecting undocumented immigrants in schools

The state of Illinois has taken a historic step in defense of immigrant rights by passing the “Safe Schools for All” law, which guarantees the protection of undocumented students and their families from the stricter immigration policies pushed by President Donald Trump.

Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the law into law after its approval in the state Legislature, in an act that was celebrated by activists, teachers, immigrant families and Latino legislators. With this measure, Illinois becomes the first state to codify in its local legislation the 1982 Supreme Court precedent (Plyler v. Doe case), which establishes that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to free public education on equal terms.

In Illinois, safe schools for undocumented students

I affirm EVERY student’s right to learn in safe schools, free from fear.

Proud to join State Rep. Jimenez, Senator Villa, and advocates to celebrate IL as the first state to codify into law the right of ALL students to a public education regardless of immigration status. HANDS… pic.twitter.com/t1EEnAY7ex

– Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (@repdeliaramirez) August 21, 2025

During the signing ceremony, State Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, one of the most visible voices in the defense of immigrants, assured that the new law is a direct message to the White House.

“We say it loud and clear: we will never bow down to a president who wants to be king,” Ramirez said, accusing the president of having turned the federal government into “a weapon against immigrant families.”

Ramirez also denounced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages more than $1.5 billion in resources to intensify raids, arrests and deportations, which generates a climate of fear in Hispanic communities across the country.

Legislators and activists in defense of students

State Senator Omar Aquino warned that the federal government is “literally militarizing” the country with the deployment of troops in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C., and that it would not be strange if something similar is attempted in Chicago.

“But we will resist and fight,” he stressed.

For his part, Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), considered this law to be a strong response to the persecution and intimidation of immigrant families.

What does the “Safe Schools for All” law establish?

The rule reinforces and protects the right of undocumented students to attend school without fear of being discriminated against or singled out.

Among its main provisions are:

Express prohibition against excluding students and parents from school programs on the basis of immigration status.

Restriction on schools to request documents, such as Social Security numbers at the time of enrollment.

Clear protocols for institutions to know how to act in the event of the presence of ICE agents or other law enforcement on school campuses.

Assurance of a safe and peaceful school environment, where students can focus on learning without fear of detention.

Senator Karina Villa, one of the initiative’s sponsors, noted that “if students do not feel safe in school, academic success is an uphill battle.”

A shield in the midst of migratory fear

Although Illinois is considered a sanctuary state, the passage of this law responds to the growing fear faced by thousands of undocumented families under Trump’s policies.

The Republican has pushed for measures such as increased raids in public places and pressure on states and counties to collaborate with ICE.

Local legislators recalled that the federal government’s attacks are not limited to immigrants.

“Today it’s them, tomorrow it will be any group they deem undesirable,” they warned.

With this new law, Illinois sends a national message: classrooms should be safe spaces free from fear, regardless of the immigration status of those who inhabit them.