NW Illinois News

Li Arellano Jr., a senator for Illinois' 37th State Senate District, toured the state-run Dixon Correctional Facility in June. He expressed gratitude to the warden, her staff, and the Illinois Department of Corrections for organizing the visit.

"Last month I had the opportunity to tour the state-run Dixon Correctional Facility," said Arellano, Illinois State Senator for 37th District, according to Facebook. "I would like to thank the Warden and her team for their time and information, as well as the Illinois Department of Corrections for working with my team to set up this invaluable visit. Illinois has a lot of work to do in regard to state corrections. Too often in the past we locked people away and forgot not just them, but also the public servants who work with them."

Dixon Correctional Center is a medium-security facility that opened in July 1983 and houses male inmates. It has an operational capacity of 1,975, including 213 beds in the psychiatric unit and 462 beds in the Dixon Special Treatment Center. As of June 30, 2024, the inmate population was recorded at 991, according to the state's website. The facility's warden is Andrea Tack. The Special Treatment Center accommodates individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. The psychiatric unit serves as the primary psychiatric correctional facility for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Located on 462 acres north of Dixon, it offers academic and vocational career programs such as eyeglass industry training, voluntary literacy programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, and religious programs.

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's July 1 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano's Facebook page

According to Arellano's statement on his Facebook post regarding his visit to Dixon Correctional Center: "But, as with so many areas of state government, it has been underfunded as we struggle with state debt." He further noted that correctional facilities and their personnel have not been prioritized in budgetary discussions. "That is one of many inherited problems in Illinois," he said, adding his concern that they have yet to meet their responsibilities adequately in this area. "The work will continue," Arellano said, expressing anticipation for another meeting on this topic as he continues to study and learn.

Arellano served as mayor of Dixon starting in 2015. During his two-term tenure, he focused on restoring fiscal integrity, improving local infrastructure, and fostering economic development. According to his website, after achieving his goals as mayor, Arellano honored his commitment to term limits by not seeking reelection for a third term. He then returned to the private sector where he owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop called The Frosted Spoon, and a commercial property leasing company. In addition to his business ventures, Arellano serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently a squad leader with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.