Illinois has enacted Alicia’s Law, dedicating permanent funding and resources to investigate internet crimes against children. Named after Alicia Kozakiewicz, the first widely reported internet-related child abduction victim, the law ensures ongoing support for the Illinois State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit.

The measure makes Illinois the 13th state to permanently fund this type of investigative work. The ICAC unit has seen a significant increase in cases, from 68 new cases in 2018 to 145 so far this year, with 46 arrests made to date.

Alicia’s Law also reinforces collaboration between state and local agencies to address online threats to children. The Illinois State Police have launched a podcast narrated by Bill Kurtis, highlighting the unit’s work and efforts to keep children safe online.

Anyone with information about potential internet-based threats to children is urged to contact local law enforcement, call 1-800-THE-LOST, or reach out to the Illinois Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force.