Members of the DuPage County Judicial and Public Safety Committee on Jan. 21 asked staff to prepare coordinated guidance for constituents about how local agencies will respond to requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following statements from the incoming federal administration.

Member Ozog said she had received correspondence and constituent phone calls asking how local agencies would handle visits and requests from ICE and whether there are policies about verifying immigration status. Nick Kottmeyer, a county staff member, said the county has received similar messages and that staff are "working up a response in conjunction with the state's attorney" so that members can send consistent guidance to constituents; he said any response will need the state's attorney's sign-off.

Several board members said constituents misunderstand the limits of county authority and asked for a clear, shareable statement. Member Zay raised the question of separation of authority among elected officials, noting the sheriff is an independently elected official and controls internal operations of the sheriff's office. Members also asked whether state or federal law would control specific actions; staff and members repeatedly said the sheriff and state's attorney would follow applicable law.

Members suggested the county seek statewide comparisons through the Illinois Association of County Officials (ISACO) and asked that the state's attorney be part of any briefing. Member Ekhoff suggested bringing the topic to ISACO to learn how other counties are responding and to examine the effectiveness of existing safety-related statutes and policies. No formal action or vote was taken; staff committed to prepare a response for board members to share with constituents.

The committee's discussion focused on communication and legal clarity rather than new policy: members requested an authoritative, consistent message they can distribute to residents and asked staff to coordinate that message with the state's attorney and the sheriff's office.