Skokie trustees reaffirm sanctuary-style protections, agree to review coalition suggestions

Trustees and members of the public on Monday reviewed Skokie’s 2017 welcoming ordinance and the village’s policies on interactions with federal immigration authorities, with village leaders saying most recommendations in a letter from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights are already reflected in village policy.

Mayor Van Dusen summarized the village’s stance and staff guidance: "We do not share village data with third party vendors. Period. We do not detain anyone based only on immigration status," he said, reading a synopsis of police guidance that he said was developed with the chief and corporation counsel. The mayor and corporation counsel said the village’s policy is aligned with the Illinois Trust Act and other state laws that promote limited local involvement in civil immigration enforcement.

Corporation Counsel Michael Lortz and Chief Barnes explained operational limits. "We are not alerted to that," Chief Barnes said when asked whether the police are notified in advance when federal immigration arrests are executed; he said federal agencies do not routinely inform the village about administrative enforcement actions unless the activity occurs as part of a local criminal investigation. The chief added that if a family comes to the police looking for a detained relative the department will try to assist by contacting federal agencies.

Trustees and speakers urged additional outreach and reaffirmation. Trustee Robinson urged the board to use the month to reflect and recommit to equity and inclusion. Several residents asked the board to consider a renewed public reaffirmation of the board’s 2017 resolution and to support community education such as "know your rights" trainings and distribution of bilingual materials. One resident suggested the village coordinate with grassroots groups to provide information in trusted settings rather than only in public venues such as the library.

Corporation counsel said the mayor received the coalition’s letter at 4 p.m. the same day and staff would review it; he also noted the village’s ordinance (section 58 of the village code) had been considered a strong local model when adopted in 2017. The board did not take formal regulatory action; trustees directed staff to review the coalition’s suggestions and to consider reissuing or reaffirming the board’s 2017 resolution for the next meeting.