Chris Balkema, Illinois State Senator for 53rd District | Facebook
Chris Balkema, Illinois State Senator for 53rd District | Facebook
State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) has expressed concern over the passage of House Bill 1312, legislation he describes as "anti-ICE," by the Illinois General Assembly. The bill addresses cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
In a statement, Balkema said, “I am deeply saddened and concerned that this legislation puts Illinois families and law enforcement at a huge risk. This new law makes it much harder for officers to target dangerous criminals and penalizes them for taking critical safety precautions. Tragically, it forces public servants into impossible situations where they must choose between following state mandates or federal law.”
He added, “We must pursue policies that make our communities safer, support our law enforcement officers, and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law.”
Balkema was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois’ 53rd Senate District in 2025, succeeding Thomas M. Bennett.
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