WATCH: Resolution condemning federal immigration law enforcement sparks debate

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois House Democrats are calling for investigation, prosecution and impeachment of federal immigration law enforcement.

State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, introduced House Resolution 622 on Thursday.

Andrade said 32 people died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in 2025.

“Every detention, every abuse and every murder are the responsibility of [President] Donald Trump and [U.S. Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem,” Andrade said.

HR 622 calls for an independent investigation into U.S. Department of Homeland Security-involved shootings, killings and deaths in custody, as well as the appointment of independent counsel to prosecute agents, administrators, and political appointees found to have committed, directed or covered up such acts.

The resolution also calls for Noem’s immediate resignation and her impeachment if she refuses to resign.

Andrade dedicated the resolution to people in his community.

“This is for the 7-year-old student who ran away from the ICE agents while her father was ripped out of her car, and we could not find her for a while. This is for my tamale lady who can’t sell tamales and make a living, who files income taxes,” Andrade said.

The resolution passed with a partisan vote of 69 to 35.

State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, said there is chaos in sanctuary states like Illinois, where local law enforcement is not working with federal law enforcement.

“I do not think we should be passing resolutions condemning law enforcement or condemning elected officials until we take a close look at what we’re doing in the state of Illinois with our laws, making it difficult for the federal laws to be enforced,” Windhorst said.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said Democrats were chastising the people who are trying to get Illinois and the country under control.

We spent $3.2 billion on illegal immigration in this state rather than spending it on the citizens of this state,” Niemerg said.

The Dieterich Republican said one non-governmental organization received $1.2 million to pay anti-ICE protesters.

“And these are not peaceful protesters. They just invaded a church last week,” Niemerg added.

It is not known if the resolution carries any taxpayer cost. Andrade’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment over potential costs of investigations, independent counsel or prosecutions.