The Barrington Village Board on Nov. 24 adopted a resolution affirming the village as a "welcoming community" after extended public comment both in favor of and opposed to a formal ordinance.

Supporters and opponents used the public-comment period to press the board for different approaches. Jim McGrath, a Barrington resident, urged the board to adopt an ordinance rather than a resolution, saying an ordinance would better prevent unauthorized use of village property and better address liability concerns. "I think we need an ordinance, not a resolution," McGrath said, adding that the village should post immigrant "red card" rights information on its website.

Opponents also spoke. Dr. Nicholas Palmeri, a physician who identified himself as a community member, said he "strongly oppose[d] any passage of any sort of welcoming act in this village," citing public-safety concerns in nearby communities.

Several speakers argued in favor of local protections and clarity. Dana Brown, a downtown business owner, said a welcoming ordinance would uphold village values and support downtown commerce. "Please make the Barrington Welcoming Ordinance a reality," Brown said. Nurse and first responder Jenny Levin told the board that, based on first-responder experience, "an ordinance clarifying restrictions for ICE will only serve to assist" law enforcement and public safety.

Trustee Diane Sholton, speaking from decades of residency and personal perspective, urged the board that a resolution alone is insufficient, saying an ordinance would offer enforceable protection. Her remarks included sharply worded language describing the perceived threat posed by immigration-enforcement appearances in suburbs.

During the board discussion, a trustee noted that, under the village's current enforcement authorities, the resolution before the board provides the same practical enforcement effect as an ordinance today. The trustee also noted a pending court challenge to the Trust Act and asked the board to reconsider options if court rulings change the legal landscape. The village police chief confirmed that access controls are in place to limit misuse of license-plate-reader data.

The clerk called the roll on the resolution and trustees voted in favor; the board recorded the motion as approved by roll call. The board’s motion text was recorded as an affirmation that the Village of Barrington is a welcoming community. Board members said they will monitor the ongoing court challenge to the Trust Act and revisit policy options if the legal context changes.

The resolution does not create new criminal penalties or an explicit local enforcement regime beyond current village powers; trustees emphasized that a future ordinance could be considered if legal changes permit different authority or enforcement mechanisms.

The board proceeded to other business after the vote and adjourned at the meeting’s close. The village will post meeting materials and the adopted resolution online.