ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
4341 Acer Grove, Ste. B * Springfield, Ilinois 62711 * (217
July 3, 2023
For immediate release
Illinois FOP statement regarding legislation that would allow those without
legal citizenship status to become police officers
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge has issued the following
statement regarding legislation that awaits the Governor's signature that would allow persons
without legal citizenship status to become law enforcement officers:
“The main function of police officers is to enforce the law, to ensure that people in their
jurisdictions abide by all applicable laws. What message does this legislation send when it
allows people who do not have legal status to become the enforcers of our laws? This is a
potential crisis of confidence in law enforcement at a time when our officers need all of the
public confidence they can get. Make no mistake, we will welcome these potential police
recruits with open arms once their citizenship status is solidified, and look forward to the
unique perspective they can bring to our profession.”
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law
enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing
officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the
country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly
representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent
of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www. itfop.org for more information