SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement on Illinois’ policy to no longer refer undocumented immigrants who have served their sentences within the Illinois prison system to federal immigration custody:

“I am the daughter of immigrants and hearing my colleagues and members of law enforcement repeat the President’s racist rhetoric breaks my heart.

“Our criminal justice system does not exist to serve ICE. Law enforcement should not aid and abet the deportation machine. Communities of color, specifically immigrant communities, need to know that they can trust law enforcement regardless of citizenship status.

Read more: Villanueva: Our criminal justice system does not exist to serve ICE

SPRINGFIELD – After listening to Governor JB Pritzker’s Budget Address, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) praised the governor’s proposals for large increases to early childhood education and need-based financial aid for college students.

“We need to make Illinois a state that treats early childhood development with the importance it deserves. That’s why I strongly support the governor’s proposal to increase the early childhood education funding by $50 million,” Villanueva said.

Read more: Villanueva optimistic about early childhood and college education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Gov. Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“I am proud to have Gov. Pritzker as an ally in our fight to regain public trust in Springfield. Placing self-interest before the people you represent is shameful and, honestly, disgusting. With the governor’s help, we will fight corruption in our government.

“I’m excited that the governor wants Illinois to take the lead on protecting the environment and using cleaner sources of energy. We have the opportunity to set the example as one of the most environmentally conscious states in the nation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to charges filed against former State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago):

“The charges filed against Martin Sandoval paint a clear picture of corruption. People in my community and across the state lose faith in our government because of cases like this. This year, we must rebuild public trust and enact real ethics reform. Our democracy depends on it.

While this situation is infuriating, it gives me hope because it means that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law. The house of cards is quickly falling, and we need to seize this moment to make sure that corrupt individuals can no longer game the system.”