CHICAGO - Following an ICE detainment outside of Decatur Classical School in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement:

“Despite executive orders signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson prohibiting ICE detainments on city-owned property, federal agents detained an employee on Chicago Public School property during school hours.

CHICAGO — To honor the life of Wadee AlFayoumi, a six-year-old Palestinian Muslim-American boy from Plainfield, State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a resolution earlier this year designating Sept. 21, 2025 as Wadee Day in Illinois.

“A hate-driven act shook our community, state and country, resulting in the loss of a young life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As hate has no place in our state, I hope Sept. 21 serves as a reminder of the life of Wadee AlFayoumi and how we can continue to work to prevent violence.”

State Senator Ram Villivalam is hosting a State of Transit town hall on Sept. 20 alongside local elected officials to share updates about the state of transit in Illinois.

“Public transit is an essential part of our communities – getting residents to where they need to go. Without this critical service, many of our neighbors will not be able to get to school, go to their job or even receive the health care they need,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue to talk with residents and provide updates on what we have done to create a world-class public transit system for Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam will equip families and legal guardians with information about services their child may need by increasing opportunities to inform parents about the Early Intervention program.

“For many parents, not knowing what care your child might need can feel overwhelming, especially while in the NICU,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Through this law we are ensuring hospital staff provide important information about programs, such as Early Intervention, that can bolster parents’ access to services.”