Rockford Sun

House Republicans have filed the Citizen Law Enforcement Act, HB 5790, in response to a recent court decision in Illinois regarding the right of illegal immigrants to carry firearms. Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello expressed the need for legislative clarity, stating, "illegal immigrants do not have the right to possess firearms PERIOD."

The decision to introduce this legislation was prompted by a court ruling in the Northern District of Illinois that granted an illegal immigrant the right to carry firearms. While the ruling is expected to be appealed and only impacts one individual, House Republicans are determined to uphold the rights of citizens and ensure public safety.

Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello, of Machesney Park, emphasized the importance of preventing confusion regarding existing state statutes related to non-citizen law enforcement officers. He, along with State Representative Dennis Tipsword of Metamora, who are both acting law enforcement officers, are the chief sponsors of House Bill 5790.

Cabello, who represents Illinois' 90th House District, which includes various communities in Winnebago, Stephenson, and Boone counties, underlined the legislative intent behind the Citizen Law Enforcement Act. The aim of the legislation is to make it unequivocally clear that illegal immigrants are not entitled to possess firearms.

The filing of the Citizen Law Enforcement Act underscores the commitment of House Republicans to uphold the law and safeguard the rights of citizens in the state of Illinois.