Villanueva responds to federal activity in Little Village

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to today’s federal activity in Little Village:

“Once again, federal agents stormed into our communities — crashing vehicles, terrorizing families and abducting at least eight residents, including documented U.S. citizens. This was not an ‘operation.’ It was a violation, a blatant assault on our community and our constitutional rights.

“Families were thrown into panic, children watched as neighbors were dragged away and entire blocks were left in fear. These agents acted without transparency, without accountability and without regard for the law or the lives they shattered. What happened today was not public safety, it was violence.

“These unconstitutional actions are the behavior of a government targeting its own people. They are acts of tyranny, violating the fundamental rights of citizens and non-citizens alike. No agency should have the authority to descend on neighborhoods and abduct residents from their cars, their homes or their streets.

“I am demanding immediate answers from federal leadership and calling for oversight and restraint. Illinois must draw a clear line: our communities are not war zones, and our people are not targets.

“To residents: my office stands with you. If you, your loved one or your neighbor is facing an encounter with federal immigration agents, please reach out for assistance at 773-565-4661 or visit our website. You are not alone.

“This community will not be silenced by fear. We will stand firm, speak out and protect one another.”

$8.5 million coming to 12th District infrastructure thanks to Villanueva

• Rebuild Illinois
• IDOT

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva announced that more than $8 million has been secured to improve infrastructure in the 12th District.

“Investments in our infrastructure are investments in our neighborhoods, our economy and our future,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “From safer roads to more reliable transit options, these improvements will directly impact the daily lives of families across the 12th District.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented commitment to safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year plan is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Villanueva’s district will see three infrastructure projects totaling $8.5 million in the coming year.

“These projects will make our communities stronger by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and ensuring residents can get to school, work and home safely,” said Villanueva.

A full list of projects in the 12th District can be found here.

Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.

“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”

House Bill 3709 requires all public colleges and universities in Illinois to provide students with access to a health care provider who can prescribe contraception and medication abortion starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. If a campus has an on-site pharmacy, it must fill those prescriptions upon request—giving students the option to avoid third-party providers if they choose.

Read more: Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses

Villanueva law fortifies crime-victims’ rights and prevents deceptive questioning

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois crime survivors will now have guaranteed protection from deceptive interrogation tactics, thanks to a new law driven by State Senator Celina Villanueva.

“From the very first interview, survivors deserve honesty and respect,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With this law, we’re making it clear that manipulation has no place in an investigation.”

The law expands the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights by expressly prohibiting law-enforcement officers from fabricating facts or misrepresenting evidence when interviewing a reporting victim. It extends the promise of dignity and respect to the very start of an investigation—a stage advocates say is often the most vulnerable for survivors—and applies the protection to anyone a court or prosecutor determines has suffered physical or psychological harm from a violent crime, as well as to designated family representatives.

Read more: Villanueva law fortifies crime-victims’ rights and prevents deceptive questioning