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Residents urge Berwyn to require identification for unmarked vehicles after regional concerns about immigration enforcement
Summary
Speakers in open forum asked the council to direct the Berwyn Police Department to enforce laws requiring visible license plates and agency identification for unmarked vehicles, citing examples from Huntington Park and urging intercity coordination.
Several residents urged the council during open forum to adopt a policy directing Berwyn police to require unmarked vehicles and officers to display clear agency identification and license plates when making enforcement actions.
"When ICE operates in secret, it does two things," said Daniel, a First Ward resident, who urged the council to make it harder for impersonators and to protect residents from secretive enforcement. He cited municipal actions in Huntington Park, California, and proposed measures by that city’s mayor intended to require Federal officers to show identification. "We cannot allow ICE to continue to operate as an unaccountable secret police force in our city," Daniel said.
Tim, a Third Ward resident, told the council that Huntington Park’s mayor recently directed police to enforce laws concerning unmarked vehicles and agency identification after masked, armed men who would not identify themselves caused alarm. Tim said issuing a similar directive could reassure residents and have economic benefits by restoring confidence in local businesses.
Speakers urged coordinated action with neighboring municipalities. The mayor designated Alderman Pabon as the council’s liaison to other cities on the matter and aldermen said they were awaiting a report before taking further steps.
Why it matters: Speakers said unclear identification by armed individuals — whether federal agents or impersonators — has created fear that depresses downtown activity. If the city issues a public directive and enforces existing rules about agency ID and visible license plates, proponents said, residents may feel safer visiting restaurants and stores.
What the council did: The council did not adopt a formal ordinance or resolution at the meeting. A liaison report from Alderman Pabon is expected, and residents asked the council to consider drafting a public directive and enforcement protocol for Berwyn Police.
