As social media lit up with reports of arrests being made around West Chicago by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents Monday, State Senator Karina Villa (D- 25th District) went to Facebook to raise the alarm, warning residents who were fearful to stay in their homes and not answer the door without proof of a warrant.
In a particularly dramatic video published to her Facebook page, Villa is shown addressing what she perceived to be ICE agents, yelling repeatedly “Not in my city! Not in my city!”
“It’s very important, as allies, that we show up for each other,” she said in another video, exhorting citizens to take pictures and videos of suspected ICE activity.
Of most concern to Villa was school drop-offs and pick-ups in the city, which she alleged ICE was targeting in order to apprehend adult, and possibly juvenile. suspects. The concern led School District 33 to implement a soft lockdown, also known as “secure and teach,” wherein classes continued as usual but all school doors were locked.
Amid reports that some ICE vehicles were parked at the West Chicago Police Department headquarters, the department issued a statement:
“We recognize that there is a lot of concern and fear within our community. We want to remind everyone that the West Chicago Police Department does not get involved with cases from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Always remember, you can identify a West Chicago Officer by their patch, their badge, their vest and the license plates on their squad cars.”
The City of West Chicago also issued a statement in response to the ICE activity:
“In response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of West Chicago residents regarding recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, the City has provided the following statement:
“City of West Chicago personnel follow State law (Illinois TRUST Act), and they are not assisting ICE in any matter that is not accompanied by a federal or state warrant, or if there is a criminal investigation being undertaken, when we would be legally obligated to provide support. We are not and will not get involved in any cases related to administrative deportation orders.“
