‘No one is above the law’: Giannoulias warns ICE agents that swapping Illinois license plates is illegal

CHICAGO — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a stern warning to ICE agents after a video on social media went viral.

In a video circulating on social media, an agent is recorded telling a bystander filming their vehicle’s license plate that: “You can record all you want. We change the plates out every day.”

Giannoulias posted a video to YouTube in response, saying that swapping or altering license plates is illegal and will not be tolerated in Illinois.

“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. “No one, including federal agents, is above the law, and we intend to hold them accountable, especially while driving on our roadways. This is a matter of public safety and protecting the wellbeing of our communities.”

The Secretary of State’s Office launched a Plate Watch Hotline, to allow people to report suspected license plate tampering.
 
Giannoulias stressed that it’s illegal for anyone to switch or modify license plates on Illinois vehicles.

To make a report, call (312) 814-1730 or email platewatch@ilsos.gov.