Carol Stream — Dozens of residents used the meeting’s listening post on Dec. 15 to urge the Village of Carol Stream Board of Trustees to adopt a clear policy prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using village‑controlled property, saying such use undermines public trust and may conflict with the Illinois Trust Act.

"I am here to speak on behalf of families in Carol Stream who are deeply affected by your decision to allow immigration and customs enforcement ICE to use the police department's parking lot at least twice," said Lisonbee Gavlin, who identified herself as a resident of Addison and a supporter of families harmed by enforcement actions. Gavlin told the board that residents have experienced detentions and parents taken from children, and that the presence of ICE has produced anxiety, depression and fear in neighborhoods.

Other commenters recounted local incidents and broader data they said point to increased enforcement. "During the entire year of 2024, in Illinois, ICE made 1,462 apprehensions," said Maggie Hernandez Seis, who identified herself as a community organizer and former Carol Stream resident, and presented figures she said came from a FOIA request to ICE. Hernandez Seis said the number rose to 3,378 through mid‑October 2025 and that 53.05 percent of those apprehended had no criminal history according to ICE’s data. "This is not keeping our community safe," she said.

Jesse Gutierrez, who said he lives in DuPage County’s 6th District (which includes Carol Stream), described what he called civil‑rights harms and family separations he said he has seen and urged local law enforcement to avoid actions that "terrorize our communities." Other residents described economic and workforce concerns, recounted eyewitness encounters with masked agents and detained workers, and asked the board to explain who authorizes use of police property.

Several speakers cited the Illinois Trust Act and urged the board to adopt an ordinance modeled on recent action by Hanover Park that would bar use of village property and resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. Maria, who identified herself only by first name and said she works closely with affected residents, warned of legal and financial risks if municipalities do not clearly adhere to the Illinois Trust Act, saying failure to comply can lead to "civil rights complaints, litigation, legal defense cost settlements, and lasting reputational harm."

The board did not debate or vote on a policy restricting federal enforcement during the public‑comment time. The mayor told attendees that officials generally do not respond during the listening post when an issue is not on the agenda. After public comment ended, trustees moved on to the regular agenda and approved a consent package by omnibus vote.

Votes at a glance: The board approved a consent agenda that included a $7,270 change order for Hacienda Landscaping Inc. for the Cline Creek Overlook Project, temporary waivers related to outdoor parking and bus operations at two addresses (505 East North Avenue and 250 North Schmale Road), the purchase of three Dell PowerEdge servers totaling $48,608.91, amendments to Chapter 14 (disorderly conduct) of the village code, and other routine staff reports and warrants; the clerk recorded unanimous "aye" votes on the omnibus approval.

What’s next: Several speakers asked the board to place a ban on village‑property use by ICE on a future agenda for formal consideration. Trustees did not schedule or announce a vote on such an ordinance during the Dec. 15 meeting. The board adjourned at the end of its regular session.