The Illinois House approved a measure that would prohibit local law enforcement agencies independently from enforcing federal civil immigration laws.
Democrats say the legislation is meant to increase trust between immigrant communities and police.
But state Representative Steven Andersson, a Republican from Geneva, says this sort of thing should be left to the federal government.
“I respect what the sponsor is trying to do, I think maybe more comprehensive immigration reform is appropriate. But I think that that appropriate venue is not the Illinois State House, I think it’s probably the federal government.”
If the measure becomes law, Illinois would be among several states trying to set their own immigration policies.
It still prohibits local jails from holding people on immigration detainers so that federal officials may pick them up for possible deportation.
Proponents argue it's not a crime to be in the country illegally and many work and pay taxes.
The measure must return to the Senate.
