Skip to main content

Starting July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially become the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant, Home Visiting, Early Intervention and the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Childhood Block Grant, and a range of other early childhood support to families, providers and educators.”  

Should you have any questions related to this transition please reference our Transition FAQ’s (PDF). Should you need further support visit our Contact page where you can submit your questions. We are excited to continue this journey with you!

Know Your Rights in Illinois

Everyone deserves to feel safe - no matter your immigration status. Knowing your rights can help you and your loved ones stay protected and prepared.


If you find yourself in a situation with ICE, remain calm and remember:

You always have the right to
an attorney.

You have the right to
remain silent.

You have the right to
request an interpreter.

Do not sign anything.

Do not open the door unless officers present a valid warrant signed by a judge.

If you are outside and see officers, find a place indoors.

Be Prepared

Carry a Know Your Rights card and important identification.

Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights' 24-hour Family Support Hotline: (855) 435-7693 if you need help or want to report a potential ICE sighting.

Make a plan to protect your family: list emergency contacts, authorize guardians for your children, and coordinate with schools or childcare providers.

Download Cards (Spanish)
Download Cards (English)

If a loved one is detained,

You can locate them using ICE's online detainee locator.

Open Locator

If you witness immigration enforcement:

Do not interfere - this could put you at risk.

Safely record from a distance and write down details to report later.

Illinois law protects immigration communities. The Illinois Attorney General's office enforces TRUST and VOICE laws to ensure fair treatment of all people, including from immigration and law enforcement officers.

Non-Regulatory Guidelines for Licensed Day Care Facilities

Non-Regulatory Guidance - English
Non-Regulatory Guidance - Spanish

To ensure that all day care providers understand the steps to take in situations involving immigration enforcement, this non-regulatory guidance outlines important precautions to take in case:

Immigration enforcement personnel request information from a provider; or

A child's caregiver (parent, relative, guardian) is detained or deported while picking up or dropping off a child at the day care, or during the time the child is in care.

Immigration enforcement personnel seek to carry out enforcement action at a day care home or facility.

Resources from:

Illinois Immigration Information Hub

The Illinois Immigration Information Hub Know Your Rights Toolkit

A comprehensive overview of free and low-cost immigration legal services

A family emergency plan template with step-by-step guidance

Organizational preparedness resources for businesses and employers

Resources from the Illinois State Board of Education

Resources for Schools/Districts

For more information, family support options and legal resources, visit:

Illinois Immigration Information Hub

IL IMMIGRATION INFO | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

ILLINOIS COALITION FOR IMMIGRANTS

IMMIGRATION RIGHTS

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS - ILLINOIS CARES FOR KIDS