State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez’s, D-Cicero, is combatting the incarceration of children at the U.S.-Mexican border by enacting a law that requires the Illinois Investment Policy Board (IIPI) to investigate and divest funds away from any for-profit companies that contract to shelter migrant children. “The severe conditions that migrant children have endured is unacceptable,” said Hernandez. “Illinois should not invest in businesses that profit on the suffering of migrant children who have been forced into abhorrent conditions at the border.” Hernandez spearheaded the passing of House Bill 232, which will direct the IIPI to seek and identify for-profit companies that have funded the creation and maintenance of shelters with prison-like conditions that hold migrant children in detention and restrict any economic activity between the state and these entities. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by Gov. Pritzker. “Children should not be subject to terrible conditions regardless of their citizenship status,” said Hernandez. “The United States is a country of immigrants, and we all must acknowledge our shared story so that people can come to this country in a dignified manner and begin their new lives.”