This week, the Defenders for All (D4A) Coalition applauds the creation of an immigration unit within the Public Defender’s Office. Cook County is now the largest jurisdiction in the country to have an immigration unit in the Public Defender’s office. The creation of a dedicated immigration unit will bring us closer to assuring every Cook County resident, especially those from underfunded and over-policed Black and Brown communities, receives proper legal representation. Today, we celebrate the leadership of the Defenders for All coalition and of the Cook County Board.  

“Today’s approval of the FY2021 Budget, which includes funding to establish an immigration unit in the Office of the Public Defender, is an important step forward in Cook County’s commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of immigrants. I am proud to have worked alongside the Defenders for All Coalition on this effort and commend the President’s Office for their leadership on supporting this measure,” Alma Anaya, Cook County Commissioner, 7th District.  

“The Resurrection Project thanks President Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board for approving funding to establish an immigration unit within the Office of the Public Defender Amy Campanelli. This is a huge step towards assuring Illinois’ immigrants have access to an attorney when facing family separation. Cook County continues to lead the way towards welcoming and uplifting immigrants,” The Resurrection Project.