Illinois Immigrant Tenant Protection Act

Mamdani Launches Housing Crisis Assault: Tenant Protection, Land Use, and Red Tape Reduction

Moments after his inauguration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced three new executive orders focused on housing in New York City. These orders aim to protect tenants by revitalizing the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, appointing Cea Weaver as director and pledging to intervene in cases of illegal conditions. Additionally, the new administration will work to speed up housing construction and increase supply through the SPEED and LIFT task forces, designed to promote building on city-owned land and cut bureaucratic delays. The mayor’s first major action will be in court, intervening in the bankruptcy proceedings of Pinnacle Realty to seek relief for tenants.

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Landlords Ordered to Pay $80K for ICE Threat Against Immigrant Tenants

A Cook County judge awarded an immigrant couple, Maria Maltos Escutia and Gabriel Valdez Garcia, over $80,000 in damages after their landlords violated the Illinois Immigrant Tenant Protection Act of 2019. The Act prohibits landlords from threatening to report tenants to ICE for intimidation or retaliation. This case marks the first judgment under this law, setting a precedent against landlord discrimination based on immigration status. The ruling, hailed as a significant victory for tenant rights, underscores the legal protections afforded to immigrants in Illinois and other states with similar legislation. The couple’s courageous decision to sue highlights the importance of challenging discriminatory practices.

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