Illinois State Senators Jason Plummer and Terri Bryant are calling for the immediate withdrawal of Latoya Hughes’ nomination as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), citing ongoing safety failures, staff endangerment, and a lack of leadership qualifications. 

At a press conference this/last week, the lawmakers detailed systemic issues plaguing the state’s prison system, including confirmed drug-related inmate deaths, rising staff assaults, and unscanned contraband entering through inmate mail. Despite repeated warnings from correctional staff, the administration has failed to implement reforms. Gov. Pritzker has seemingly decided to put politics over common-sense public policy that protects Illinoisans across the state. 

The senators also criticized the lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities and the early release of violent offenders, arguing that these decisions have jeopardized public safety across Illinois. 

Senator XXX says Illinois has had enough. The people of this state deserve accountability from leadership and safety in their communities.