Trustees opened discussion on an ordinance proposed to amend the Village Code to restrict the use of village property for civil immigration enforcement. The item drew extended debate from trustees, legal counsel, village staff and members of the public.

Several residents urged a codified local policy. "Passing one here, which show Barrington values trust, safety, and inclusion, would show Barrington values that every neighbor belongs," said Michelle Beckmeyer during public comment. Jim McGrath, speaking from the audience, said the ordinance would "clarify and codify compliance with existing law" and described local incidents he said illustrated the need for clearer policy.

Legal and practical questions dominated trustees' debate. Counsel and multiple trustees noted that the state "Trust Act" and related statutes were the ordinance's legal underpinning and warned that a federal challenge to the Trust Act could affect the ordinance's force. One attorney advising the board said that the Trust Act "doesn't give you a mechanism for enforcement" and called the pending federal litigation "a significant thing" that the board should consider before adopting enforceable language. Other trustees said an ordinance, even if not fully enforceable against federal authorities, would give staff a legislative backdrop to tell federal agents "we don't want you here."

After extended exchange about the ordinance's enforceability, potential liability and the board's desire to speak to community members who feel fearful, trustees directed staff to prepare two documents: a revised ordinance that strikes enforcement/citation language and a draft resolution. Those drafts are to be circulated to trustees for review; staff indicated they would provide materials by the end of the week so the board can consider formal action at a future meeting. No final vote or ordinance adoption occurred tonight.

What happens next: village staff will circulate a redrafted ordinance (with enforcement language removed) and a draft resolution for trustee review; both will return to the board for consideration at a subsequent meeting.