Rolando Perez Samayoa arrived in the U.S. in 2023, fleeing violence in Mexico and seeking a safe haven in Illinois, which he believed was a sanctuary state. However, his experience turned tragic when after a DUI arrest, he learned that local prosecutors were collaborating with federal immigration agents without any warrants or respect for his rights.
An assistant state’s attorney, John Christeson, communicated directly with ICE agents, sharing personal information about Samayoa, including his living address and court details. Despite the protections offered by the Illinois TRUST Act, intended to keep local law enforcement from assisting federal deportation efforts, it was found that prosecutors in Illinois counties often acted as informants. This led to defendants being apprehended by ICE, often without their knowledge or the consent of their attorneys.
Emails and internal documents uncorked by Injustice Watch revealed that sensitive data, including photographs and court schedules, were routinely shared between state prosecutors and ICE agents. Notably, this collaboration happened without oversight or legislative scrutiny, causing fear in immigrant communities across Illinois. Many state’s attorney offices downplayed their contacts with ICE, claiming adherence to the TRUST Act even as they consistently reached out to federal agents.
While some counties, like DuPage and Marion, actively sought ICE collaboration, others like Lake County rigidly opposed such practices. Prosecutors in some regions adhered to a strictly enforced policy against assisting ICE, striving to safeguard community trust. Nonetheless, the contrasting actions of different state’s attorney offices raised questions about the scope and enforcement of the TRUST Act itself.
Samayoa’s arrest represents a consequence of these practices, as ICE agents executed a raid at his home, resulting in the detention of both him and his son. Feeling intimidated and pressured during the immigration proceedings, Samayoa ultimately agreed to leave the U.S. voluntarily, believing he had no other choice. The pain of separation from his family highlighted the alarming reality for many immigrants in Illinois—a state that promised protection yet became a source of betrayal.
The actions of local prosecutors have dramatic implications for how immigration laws intersect with the criminal justice system, showcasing an urgent need for clarity and reform in policies set to protect vulnerable communities. Samayoa’s account serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the precarious position of immigrants and the potential repercussions their engagement with the judicial system may entail.
