McLean County Times

House Republicans, led by Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello, have filed the Citizen Law Enforcement Act, HB 5790, in response to a controversial court decision regarding illegal immigrants and firearms rights. The decision to introduce this legislation stems from a recent ruling in the Northern District of Illinois that granted an illegal immigrant the right to carry firearms, causing confusion and concern among lawmakers.

In a statement, Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello from Machesney Park expressed the need for clarity, stating, "The recent court decision issued by a radical activist judge will be appealed, but has caused unnecessary confusion that as lawmakers, we want the legislative intent to be clear: illegal immigrants do not have the right to possess firearms PERIOD."

The bill, HB 5790, was officially filed in the Illinois House today. Alongside Cabello, State Representative Dennis Tipsword from Metamora, who also serves as an acting law enforcement officer, is a chief sponsor of the legislation. Together, they aim to uphold the rights of citizens, ensure public safety, and eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the possession of firearms by non-citizen law enforcement officers.

This proactive step by House Republicans demonstrates their commitment to clarifying the law and protecting the interests of legal residents in the state of Illinois.