Springfield, IL – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a strong warning this week to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the public, reminding all drivers that swapping or altering license plates is illegal and will not be tolerated in Illinois.
According to Giannoulias’ office, the warning follows reports that ICE agents have allegedly been modifying or flipping state-issued license plates to carry out deportation operations. In one video circulating online, an agent reportedly tells a bystander, “We change the plates out every day,” after being recorded during an encounter.
“Swapping out license plates or tampering with them to avoid or conceal detection is illegal, unsafe, and will not be tolerated in Illinois,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “No one, including federal agents, is above the law. This is a matter of public safety and protecting the wellbeing of our communities.”
To address the issue, Giannoulias announced the launch of the Plate Watch Hotline, encouraging residents to report suspected violations. Reports can be made by calling (312) 814-1730 or emailing platewatch@ilsos.gov.
Under Illinois law, anyone who displays a license plate not authorized for their vehicle—or obscures or alters it—faces fines, possible jail time, and potential suspension or revocation of their plates.
Giannoulias also reiterated that all Illinois-registered vehicles must display two plates—front and back, while out-of-state vehicles must comply with their own state’s licensing laws when traveling through Illinois.
