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Know‑Your‑Rights presentation draws mixed response at Batavia council meeting
Summary
Nonprofit groups presented immigrant and refugee know‑your‑rights information; the presentation prompted public comments both supporting and criticizing immigration advocacy and local enforcement policies.
Nonprofit presenters gave a “know your rights” briefing for immigrants and refugees at the Batavia City Council’s Oct. 6 meeting, drawing a mix of thanks from supporters and criticism from several residents.
Representatives from World Relief and the Aurora Rapid Response Team said their organizations provide legal consultations, family case management, housing and employment support, counseling and volunteer services. “Immigration legal services is the department I am in,” a World Relief presenter said, describing help with DACA renewals, citizenship and asylum work. Dr. Sammy Gonzalez Rivas of the Aurora Rapid Response Team said: “We have rights. The US constitution guarantees all of our rights regardless of immigration status.”
Presenters described the Illinois Trust Act and the Illinois Way Forward Act as legal frameworks that limit state or local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and urged residents to use a statewide hotline (855‑435‑7693) for assistance. Dr. Gonzalez also warned that federal immigration enforcement activity, and impersonation of federal agents, had increased in recent months.
Council members asked staff to share presenters’ materials and to confirm the Batavia Police Department’s practices. A staff member told the council that the Batavia Police Department “strongly adheres to the trust act” and “doesn’t assist ICE,” and the mayor reiterated the city’s long‑standing emphasis on treating residents with fairness.
Public comment that followed split along opposing lines. Some speakers praised the presentation and urged the city to support immigrant families; others said the display of political messaging was inappropriate and urged the council to emphasize enforcement of federal immigration law. Speakers invoked constitutional principles, local values and public safety in making their cases.
No city ordinance or formal policy change was adopted at the meeting. Several council members said they would seek additional information on the legal status of “sensitive locations” and on what authority a municipality has to designate or protect such places.
The presentation and the ensuing comments highlight the issue’s salience locally: council members asked that the presenters’ handouts be emailed to council and encouraged residents to use public‑safety resources and the statewide immigrant‑assistance hotline.
