Sen. Seth Lewis casts No vote on HB5024 restricting immigration detention centers near key sites

Sen. Seth Lewis (R-24th) opposed HB5024, legislation designed to block immigration-related detention centers from being established near sensitive sites, during the 104th General Assembly session on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate. The Senate approved the bill by a 39-17 margin.

The official bill text describes the effort as "MUNI CD-DETENTION FACILITIES."

The details below are derived from the actual bill document, with explanatory context added as needed for clarity.

The legislation, which amends the Illinois Municipal Code, would prevent immigration detention center facilities from being built, located, or operated within 1,500 feet of schools, day care centers and residences, cemeteries, public parks, forest preserves, public housing, private homes, and places of religious worship. The law defines such a detention facility as any property owned, leased, managed, or controlled by a federal immigration authority or its contractors where individuals are held, deported, or temporarily detained for citizenship determinations. The provisions are set to take immediate effect upon enactment, aiming to establish buffer zones around key community sites.

The official status recorded for HB5024 was 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Lewis earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa in 1991.

The Republican senator was selected to represent Illinois’ 24th Senate District in 2023, succeeding Suzy Glowiak in the post.

Legislation in Illinois advances through a series of steps beginning in either the House or Senate, then passing through committees, chamber floor debates, and both legislative votes before consideration by the governor. The General Assembly’s biennial sessions see thousands of bills introduced, though only a select portion complete the journey to state law.