The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Act, also known as the VOICES Act, was effective January 1, 2019 after the passing of Public ACT 100-1115. The VOICES Act allows "victims of qualifying criminal activity" to request a law enforcement certification form required by federal immigration law certifying that a person is a victim of qualifying criminal activity for use in applying for a U or T-Visa under the United States Code.

Who is eligible to participate?

Those individuals who are identified as "victims of qualifying criminal activity" as defined in the act whom were involved in an incident investigated by the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office.

"Victim of qualifying criminal activity" means a person described in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(I)(I) of Title 8 of the United States Code, in the definition of "victim of a severe form of trafficking" in Section 7102(14) of Title 22 of the United States Code, or in any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.

"Qualifying criminal activity" means any activity, regardless of the stage of detection, investigation, or prosecution, designated in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of Title 8 of the United States Code, any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.

How does someone apply?

Step 1

Download the appropriate U or T-Visa law enforcement certification form.

• U-Visa (USCIS Form I-918 Supplement B)
• T-Visa (USCIS Form I-914 Supplement B)

Step 2

Complete Part 1 of the U-Visa or Part B of the T-Visa. Do not complete any other sections of the applications.  Incorrectly completed forms may be rejected or may increase response time.

Step 3

Complete the questionnaire.  Although this questionnaire is not required it will assist the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office in locating any case reports and supporting documentation for a law enforcement certification application response.

Step 4

Send the U or T-Visa law enforcement certification form and questionnaire to:

Chief Deputy Craig Ketelsen
Attn: VOICES Act
330 N. Bench Street
Galena, IL  61036

Applications can also be emailed to Chief Deputy Ketelsen at:

cketelsen@jodaviesscountyil.gov

How long does it take to get a law enforcement certification response?

Response times vary and can take up to 90 business days from the time of the request. The VOICES Act has additional response time provisions which can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website.

Who do I contact at the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office  for more information?

Chief Deputy Ketelsen is the official designated by the Sheriff to receive, review, and respond to requests for completion of the certification form. He can also assist with questions relating to the VOICES Act. Chief Deputy Ketelsen can be reached directly by email at cketelsen@jodaviesscountyil.gov.  Mail can be directly addressed to Chief Deputy Craig Ketelsen and sent to 330 N. Bench Street, Galena, IL  61028.