Illinois Drivers Alliance Statement on Illinois Filing Suit Against the Trump Administration for Dangerous Enforcement Tactics and Unlawful Use of Force

Today, the State of Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Illinois. These unconstitutional federal raids terrorized immigrant communities and working people across our state, including rideshare drivers, targeted at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, while simply trying to earn a living. 

U.S. Border Control and ICE raided the O’Hare Airport rideshare lot more than a dozen times, detaining over 50 rideshare drivers. These raids were a blatant abuse of power as drivers were singled out, detained, and harassed without cause, turning a workplace into a site of fear and intimidation. These actions violated basic constitutional protections and undermined the dignity and safety of workers who are essential to Illinois’ transportation system. 

The Illinois Drivers Alliance releases the following statement:

“The Illinois Drivers Alliance applauds the State of Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul for standing up with courage and conviction against the Trump Administration’s unlawful and dangerous raids. Democratic leaders are making it clear that Illinois will not sit on the sidelines while ICE rips our communities and working families apart. The repeated raids at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and across our state were not about public safety; they were about intimidation and fear. 

This step sends a powerful message to every rideshare driver, immigrant, and worker in our state that you are not alone, and Illinois has your back. No one should fear being detained, harassed, or killed simply because of where they come from, how they look, or the language they speak. We refuse to be silent while our communities are attacked and our rights are stripped away. Illinois is showing the nation what it means to protect its people, and we are proud to stand with our state in that fight.”