Illinois Quick Hits: Foreign national faces harboring, forced labor charges

Illinois Quick Hits: Foreign national faces harboring, forced labor charges

February 12, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A Honduran citizen residing in Waukegan has been indicted for allegedly bringing illegal aliens into the United States for private financial gain.

Federal prosecutors say Fredy Hernandez, 46, brought four foreign nationals from Honduras into the United States in 2022 and 2023, forced them to work, and made them believe they would suffer serious harm if they failed to comply.

SECRETARY OF STATE MANDATES ELECTRONIC LIEN AND TITLE PROCESSING

Financial institutions that process five or more liens annually will be required to transition to electronic lien and titling by July 1.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said that under ELT, lien and title records are transmitted directly to his office and maintained electronically until the lien is satisfied.

The secretary said banks, credit unions and dealers can instantly release the title when a loan is paid off, reducing costs and saving time.

ZIMMERMAN, MATCHBOX TIX ON SALE FRIDAY

Tickets go on sale Friday for two acts scheduled to perform at the Illinois State Fair.

Country performer and Illinois native Bailey Zimmerman is slated to play at the fair on Ag Day, Aug. 14. Matchbox Twenty is scheduled to perform Aug. 16.

Tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster, starting at 10 a.m.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: DHS responds to migrant release order

Illinois quick hits: DHS responds to migrant release order

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS responds to migrant release order The U.S. Department of Homeland security issued a statement after a federal judge in Chicago...
As Trump considers rolling back some tariffs, trade groups want in

As Trump considers rolling back some tariffs, trade groups want in

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that the administration will soon announce tariff cuts to bring down prices for consumers. "You're going to see...

WATCH: Newly released Epstein emails discussing Trump ‘prove nothing,’ says Leavitt

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Emails released Wednesday appear to show that President Donald Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement with underaged women, but the White House says the emails...
Small business leader warns swipe fees are squeezing local stores

Small business leader warns swipe fees are squeezing local stores

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A longtime small business advocate has launched a new website to help store owners explain credit card surcharges to their customers. Karen Harned, who led...

WATCH: White House exploring options for $2,000 tariff rebate checks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The White House is exploring all of its options for sending Americans $2,000 tariff rebate checks, even as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a legal...
Pritzker disagrees with Durbin on vote to end shutdown

Pritzker disagrees with Durbin on vote to end shutdown

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is disappointed that Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin voted in favor of...
SNAP benefits still in limbo as government shutdown likely nears end

SNAP benefits still in limbo as government shutdown likely nears end

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Food assistance for thousands of Coloradans is still on hold as the federal government shutdown drags to a possible resolution. This comes after the U.S....

WATCH: China to control chemicals used to produce fentanyl, Patel says

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the Trump administration is ramping up operations to target narco terrorists in Latin America, FBI Director Kash Patel briefed reporters on his recent trip...
Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal

Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to conversation with Illinois Gov....
Unions, faith leaders back bipartisan immigration reform bill

Unions, faith leaders back bipartisan immigration reform bill

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square More than 50 nonprofit advocacy organizations and 24 members of Congress from across the aisle have thrown support behind a piece of legislation calling for...
Expert: Illinois’ outdated tax law leaves homeowners, taxpayers on the hook

Expert: Illinois’ outdated tax law leaves homeowners, taxpayers on the hook

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois remains the only state that hasn’t reformed its property tax sale system after the U.S....
Report: Biden gave away billions of tax dollars for ‘climate justice’ without public consent

Report: Biden gave away billions of tax dollars for ‘climate justice’ without public consent

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Billions of U.S. tax dollars have been used to fund climate initiatives in foreign countries without the American people’s consent, all while government officials travel...
Procedural technicalities, appeals court stymie CDL rule change

Procedural technicalities, appeals court stymie CDL rule change

By Alan WootenThe Center Square As a North Carolina congressman’s bill awaits committee action, a federal appeals court in the District of Columbia on Monday temporarily halted a rule change...
With a word, RFK Jr. triggered $40B takeover of Tylenol

With a word, RFK Jr. triggered $40B takeover of Tylenol

By Daniel Fisher | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Last year, Kenvue seemed to be in the clear over claims its popular Tylenol pain medicine caused autism. A federal judge in...
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers; Madigan prosecutor to depart

Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers; Madigan prosecutor to depart

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers The Department of Homeland Security has released the names of nine foreign nationals arrested during...