IAFC’s Response to Recent Immigration Enforcement Actions and Status of the Government Shutdown 

Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) believes in a bright future where every child and community has the care, education and resources they need to thrive. With the recent government shutdown and increased presence and activity from federal immigration agents, that future has been put at risk for everyone, but we will continue to fight for it. 

Recent federal actions have resulted in widespread confusion, uncertainty, and fear about the funding of essential programs and the extent of our fundamental protections under the law. Now, as a bill to end the government shutdown has passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives for a final vote, here’s what you need to know. 

Update on SNAP Benefits

As of November 11, our federal administration has not complied with court orders to provide full funding for November SNAP benefits. Without this funding, Illinois cannot distribute full benefits for November. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) stands ready to quickly issue full benefits as soon as the federal government fulfills court orders and transfers the required funds. In the meantime, partial benefits are being paid.  

IDHS issues regular updates on the services it provides including SNAP, CCAP, WIC, Medicaid, Early Intervention, and TANF. Visit the IDHS website and its SNAP Impact Center for the latest.  

HB1312 Passed to Safeguard Child Care Centers

On October 31, the Illinois General Assembly passed HB1312, comprehensive civil rights legislation designed to protect the constitutional rights of Illinois residents and ensure hospitals, institutions of higher education, courthouses, and licensed child care centers are safe spaces for all.  

The bill requires licensed day care centers to adopt policies to protect the privacy and safety of all children and families, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.  

HB1312 would go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is awaiting signature by the Governor. IAFC worked with partners to pass the bill and will be sharing more information and resources to support child care providers in implementing the safeguards provided in the law. 

November 12 Will Be a Day of Solidarity

We at IAFC were deeply alarmed and saddened by reports last week that federal immigration agents entered Rayito de Sol, a licensed early childhood center on Chicago’s North Side, and arrested an educator in front of children, families, and staff. Advocates across the city will come together on November 12 for a day of solidarity to stand for “safe schools, health care, and sacred spaces, free from fear.” The parents and families of Rayito de Sol also plan to convene downtown at the Dirksen Federal Building on Thursday, November 13, in support of the detained teacher, Ms. Diana. 

Child care centers, preschools, and schools are meant to be safe havens for young children—not places of fear, confusion, or violence.  

We remain committed to the people and communities who depend on us and will continue to shine the light on the injustices and infringements on human rights that we all have witnessed. We want to make it clear that IAFC cares and is here for you.  

Read our full statement about the incident at  Rayito de Sol, and access the latest Know Your Rights and family preparedness guidance from our advocates at We, the Village Coalition. 

Additional Resources

• For the status of federal funding for child care and early learning programs, please see resources from our partners at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the First Five Years Fund (FFYF). 

• The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Early Childhood and the Governor’s Office, has issued non-regulatory guidance on immigration enforcement actions for child care providers in the state. Learn more. 

Access IAFC’s latest advocacy resources and contact us at advocacy@actforchildren.org anytime with any questions.