Under the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Midway Blitz, ICE arrested a suburban community college student while on campus this September. In response, State Senator Karina Villa championed a proposal to shield college students on campus at public colleges and universities in Illinois. “Education allows our communities to progress and build a better life – an essential part of the American dream. Pursing an education is a right that should not be threatened by armed, masked federal agents on our college campuses,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Many immigrant parents dream of the day their child graduates from college. That goal is what makes all of their sacrifices and labor worth it. In Illinois, we will defend that dream.” The proposal – led by Villa – will require public colleges, universities and community colleges to develop procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests, prohibit unauthorized disclosure of students’ or employee’s immigration status, provide immigration enforcement resources online, and notify campus communities when immigration enforcement activity occurs on campus. House Bill 1312 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective immediately.