ILABA Statement of Solidarity with the Immigrant Community

Illinois is home to nearly two million immigrants, who make up about 18.6% of the state’s workforce and contribute nearly $30 billion annually in federal, state, and local taxes (American Immigration Council, n.d.) Their labor, innovation, and cultural contributions are essential to the strength and vitality of our state.

The Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis (ILABA) Board stands in solidarity with our immigrant communities and our diverse membership. We firmly oppose fear tactics, unlawful arrests, and historically oppressive systems that perpetuate injustices against immigrants.

As behavior analysts committed to social justice, guided by our BACB Code of Ethics and professional principles, we recognize our duty to protect vulnerable populations and to create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for all people we serve and interact with.

Our nation’s history reminds us that Indigenous peoples and immigrants of non-European descent have long faced systemic oppression. ILABA reaffirms its commitment to equity, dignity, and respect for all individuals, and to taking meaningful action that supports and uplifts our diverse membership, immigrant communities, and all marginalized groups.

ILABA is taking meaningful action by offering free CEUs to its members and affordable access for community members to explore topics that impact our diverse communities. Through these efforts, ILABA continues to advance behavior analysis toward greater inclusivity and collaboration across all backgrounds.

In particular, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee is aligning its journal club with articles from behavior analysis and related disciplines that highlight heritage celebrations and issues affecting various cultural communities. As a board we are directing any membership or anyone that reaches out to ILABA to vetted resources in their geographic area. The goal is to foster courageous conversations, build community, and create opportunities to learn from those whose experiences and cultures differ from our own. ILABA leads this work through a lens of perspective-taking and empathy.

Resources

1. ICIRR Family Support Network (FSN)

• Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
• Services: 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish; report ICE activity, access legal aid, and receive social services.
• Website: icirr.org/fsn

2. Illinois Immigration Information

• Services: Legal assistance for immigration, DACA, including deportation defense and asylum status, know your rights training, preparation and emergency planning, housing and food access and other public benefits.
• Report ICE Activity: 847-850-9005 (Emergency phone number)
• Website: https://www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/

3. The Resurrection Project (TRP)

• Services: Legal assistance, community organizing, and rapid response to ICE incidents.
• Report ICE Activity: trpimmigrantjustice.org/reportice
• Website: trpimmigrantjustice.org

4. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

• Services: Legal representation for immigrants facing deportation.

• Website: immigrantjustice.org

5. Northern Illinois University (NIU)

• Services: Student Resources on immigration and when stopped by any law enforcement agency. 

• Website: https://www.niu.edu/undocumented/education-and-training/rights.shtml

📚 Know Your Rights Resources

• ICIRR Know Your Rights Fact Sheets: Available in multiple languages, providing guidance on interactions with ICE.
• TRP Know Your Rights: Offers resources on ICE encounters and family preparedness.
• Immigrant Defense Project: Provides downloadable tools and materials for community education.
• Immigrant Justice Initiative: Offers a comprehensive guide on rights during ICE encounters.

Local Government & Legal Protections

• Chicago’s “ICE-Free Zones”: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s executive order prohibits ICE agents without valid warrants from accessing city-owned properties.
• Illinois Trust Act & Way Forward Act: State laws that limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, aiming to foster trust within immigrant communities.
• Karina Villa, MSW (Illinois State Senator of the 25th District) Comments & Support for their West Chicago community members and the state of Illinois
• Skokie, IL https://www.cityofevanston.org/residents/welcoming-city-resources
• Evanston, IL https://www.skokie.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1153

🧭 Community-Based Organizations by Region

Chicago & Cook County

• Brighton Park Neighborhood Council: Offers workshops and resources for immigrant communities.

• Latino Policy Forum: Provides essential resources and promotes just immigration practices.
• Chicago Immigration Defense: Offers Know Your Rights trainings and resources.

Central & Southern Illinois

• The Immigration Project: Provides sliding-scale immigration legal services.

• Heartland Alliance: Offers a range of services including health, housing, and legal assistance.

📱 Stay Informed & Connected

• ICIRR Eyes on ICE Text Alerts: Sign up for real-time updates on ICE activity.

• TRP Resource Hub: Access tools, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts.