- The Anti-Defamation League said hate crimes are rising in Illinois, with over 1,000 incidents reported between 2020 and 2024. Most targeted marginalized communities and were linked to white supremacist propaganda, especially in Cook County.
- The ADL is pushing for the passage of the Neighborhood Freedom from Intimidation Act. It would allow victims to sue for at least $10,000 in damages.
- The organization also calls for mandatory police training on hate crimes and better data sharing to track and prevent extremist threats.
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Hate crimes in Illinois are on the rise, according to a new report released April 9 by the Midwest Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a trend backed by FBI data.
“We’re talking about an average of one incident every three days,” said David Goldenberg, ADL Midwest regional director, during a press conference highlighting the data.
ADL report on hate crimes in Illinois
Between 2020 and 2024, the ADL recorded more than 1,000 reports of hate, extremism, terrorism and antisemitism in the state. The incidents targeted immigrant, Black, Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities. They ranged from in-person events to flyers and stickers promoting hate-based messages.
Cook County, home to Chicago , had the highest number of incidents, with 428 reports. The ADL said the majority were linked to white supremacist propaganda…