Lake County board issues joint statement, honors immigrant advocate Dulce Ortiz amid federal immigration operations

Lake County commissioners on Sept. 9 read a joint statement with the City of North Chicago saying federal immigration enforcement activities at Naval Station Great Lakes are being coordinated at the federal level and that local and state law-enforcement agencies do not and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement. The statement encouraged residents to seek help from legal-aid groups and reminded all residents that they retain fundamental legal rights regardless of immigration status.

The statement was read by County Board Member Isiah Campos and noted resources including the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, Prairie State Legal Services and Mano a Mano Family Resource Centers for people seeking guidance. Chair Sandy Hart said the county's commitment to inclusion and dignity will not waver.

The board also presented a special recognition to Dulce Ortiz, executive director of Mano a Mano, for her community leadership and environmental-justice advocacy. Ortiz, who joined the meeting by video from a meeting with the governor in Chicago, thanked the board and described Mano a Mano's work providing housing, education and services for immigrant families. She said recent U.S. Supreme Court action permitting ICE to consider race and language in enforcement decisions has heightened fear among immigrant communities and called on elected officials and advocates to oppose what she described as 'cruel and terrifying actions.

Several board members and public-health officials praised community legal and social services and reaffirmed the county's role in offering supportive services rather than enforcement. Member Campos and others urged residents to consult the county's Know Your Rights resources and the Illinois Attorney General's materials.

The joint statement and Ortiz's remarks were placed in the meeting record as part of a wider county response after reports of federal operations near Naval Station Great Lakes.