The Evanston City Council voted unanimously Oct. 13 to approve Resolution 93‑R‑25, which prohibits the use of City of Evanston property for federal civil immigration enforcement operations and provides direction for implementing the city’s existing “Welcoming City” ordinance.

The 7‑0 vote followed an extended public‑comment period in which multiple residents, community advocates and faith leaders described recent immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago region and urged the council to adopt staff recommendations restricting use of municipal property for ICE staging and operations. “To uphold the city’s welcoming city ordinance, I support the staff’s recommendation included in this resolution,” resident Beth Lang told the council during public comment.

Council action: A council member moved approval of the resolution and a second was recorded; the clerk then conducted a roll call. The clerk recorded seven ayes and no votes against; the mayor declared the motion carried and directed staff to implement the resolution immediately. The clerk’s roll call as read in the meeting was: Council member Kelly — Aye; Council member Harris — Aye; Council member Ryals — Aye; Council member Neuzma — Aye; Council member Davis — Aye; Council member Rogers — Aye; Council member Hetegutte (or Hedrickades in the roll call) — Aye. The motion passed unanimously.

Why this matters: Council members and dozens of community members said the resolution is a local measure to limit municipal cooperation with federal civil‑immigration enforcement on city property, and to provide guidance and resources for landlords and business owners so they can also prevent the use of private property for those operations. Organizers and residents told the council recent enforcement sweeps have caused fear and disruption in neighborhoods, discouraged children from attending school and made everyday errands unsafe for some families.

Public testimony: Speakers included longtime Evanston residents, community organizers and faith leaders. Kate Jaggard Tayo said the city cannot allow “people in our community [to] be snatched off the streets,” and that many residents are now afraid to leave home. Jacqueline Mendoza read a message from a friend of a detainee recounting conditions at a processing facility and urging neighbors to be prepared to support families who are separated. Pastor Luke Harris Free asked council members to act from a moral and faith‑based obligation to protect immigrant neighbors.

Implementation: Mayor and staff said they expect administrative steps to follow immediately to operationalize the resolution and to circulate information to residents about how to report ICE presence and to access community supports. Deputy City Manager Karina Sanchez said the city maintains a “Know Your Rights” page and has shared hotline information with 311; staff said they will expand online resources and coordinate with community partners.

Context and next steps: The resolution supplements the city’s Welcoming City policies and mirrors actions other municipal governments have taken in response to recent federal enforcement activity. Council members noted the council’s action was one step in a broader community response that includes legal, social‑service and rapid‑response organizations.