What is Illinois' Safety-T act that will release 400 criminals in January?

The Safety-T act that was passed in Illinois is taking social media by storm. Many are expressing concerns about their safety in the state.

According to the law in Illinois, around 400 criminals will be released due to an act that was passed in 2020. However, people are worried about the safety of their families and loved ones, so they have taken to social media to voice their concerns. One Twitter user even went on to say:

What is Illinois' Safety-T act? Civilians raise concerns

The Safety-T act, passed by the Illinois Criminal Justice Reform, will lead to the release of certain suspects charged with felonies like second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and arson. The act, passed in 2020, will release more than 400 criminal defendants.

However, people are now concerned for their safety as criminals held for acts like aggravated battery, robbery, burglaries, hate crimes, aggravated DUIs, vehicular homicides, drug-induced homicides, and other drug offenses, including delivery of fentanyl and trafficking cases, will be free until they are proven guilty.

In cases involving murder or armed robbery, judges will detain defendants under the new law if they find that the defendant poses a real and present threat to the safety of a specific, identifiable person or persons.

This act will strip judges of their right to issue a warrant to an absent defender. Rather, they will have to send a court order asking them to appear before the court.

Petrified netizens react to the new law

With a large number of criminals roaming the streets, Illinois may become an unsafe city to live in, as per netizens. They have been expressing their worry and apprehension regarding the same on social media.

Calling the state legislature and the Governor "insane" for passing this law, a few Twitter users seem to be contemplating if they should leave the city for good.

A short video of the Mayor giving details about the new law is being shared on social media. He can be heard talking about how the Safety-T act abolishes cash bail for almost every offense. He says that the law also prohibits officers from removing trespassers from their residences.

TikTokers are also convinced that the "purge" is happening in real life, with plenty of them making videos about the same.

Netizens are calling this the real-life Purge after the famous flick that was released in 2014. The movie showed the American government sanctioning a 12-hour period of all criminal activity being legal. With the city releasing many criminals back into society on January 1, 2023, netizens cannot help likening the situation to the movie.

About the author

Srishti is a celebrity trends writer at SK POP holding a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She has always been passionate about writing and has 7 years of experience in the field, having previously worked at Catch News and News18 India.

She believes it is crucial to conduct in-depth research on any topic she covers, and aims to write authentic and error-free content. She also ensures she eliminates any information that is not verified to provide readers with top-notch and accurate articles.

Srishti admires Beyoncé for her vocal skills and also appreciates the kindness with which she treats her fans. She also thinks it is commendable that the artist is involved in social work and prioritizes giving back to the community.

FRIENDS has been her favorite series since she was in school, so she would love to be part of the iconic sitcom if she could lay hands on a time machine, and interact with the lead stars if she could.

When Srishti is not busy reading and writing about the latest developments in the industry, she enjoys playing badminton, swimming, and painting.

Know More

“Let the purge begin”: What is the Safety-T act? Netizens go berserk over Illinois law that releases select criminal defendants on January 1, 2023

What is Illinois' Safety-T act? Civilians raise concerns

Petrified netizens react to the new law