Arlington Heights — The Village Board on Nov. 3 voted unanimously to direct staff to research legal options for restricting use of village property by federal civil immigration enforcement and to report back with recommended language and enforcement considerations.

Trustee Gregory Gilbert moved the directive, seconded by Trustee Schwingbeck; the board carried the motion 8–0 on a roll-call vote. Earlier in the meeting, Trustee Robin Dunnington said neighboring Wheeling had passed a similar resolution and urged Arlington Heights to act to protect municipal resources and community trust.

Why it matters: Trustees framed the action as a precaution aimed at protecting village employees and preserving trust with immigrant residents, while staff and the village attorney warned there are limits to local enforcement of federal actions. Manager Rekhlaas summarized the Illinois Trust Act and the Way Forward Act, saying those laws already bar local police from assisting federal immigration enforcement in many ways, including honoring detainers or transferring individuals without a criminal warrant.

What the board debated: Trustees proposed several possible steps — posting information about the Trust Act on the village website, offering “know your rights” programming for residents, and providing staff training — and discussed whether the board should pursue a resolution or a formal ordinance. Attorney Passman explained the legal differences: policies typically originate with staff, a resolution expresses the board’s position, and an ordinance is a legislative rule that can amend village code.

An amendment and final vote: Trustee Manganaro moved to amend Gilbert’s motion to instruct staff and the village attorney specifically to draft an ordinance; that amendment was seconded but failed on a 5–3 roll call (Manganaro, Dunnington and Santa Maria voted yes; Gilbert, Schwingbeck, Lebeds, Zick and President Tonali voted no). The board then approved the original motion to research options and return with findings, 8–0.

Staff follow-up and public outreach: After the vote staff agreed to explore options and report back. Trustees also discussed promoting a library-hosted “know your rights” program on Nov. 18, and whether the village should post Trust Act information or co-sponsor public sessions. Manager Rekhlaas offered to contact the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and prepare materials if the board desires.

What was not decided: The board did not adopt any ordinance or resolution at the meeting and did not set a timeline for the staff report. Trustee comments repeatedly noted enforcement against federal agents would present legal and practical challenges.

Notable quotes: "Our property taxes pay for our police, fire, and public works to do the work they need to do — not immigration enforcement," Trustee Dunnington said, urging protections for staff and residents. Manager Rekhlaas summarized legal constraints, saying the Trust Act "states that a law enforcement agency... may not participate, support, or assist at any capacity with an immigration agent's enforcement operations."

Next steps: Staff will research legal options (policy, resolution, ordinance), enforcement implications and training/public-education approaches and return to the board with recommendations for a future meeting.