Residents press Elgin council for action after Dec. 6 ICE enforcement; police chief outlines investigation

Several dozen residents told the Elgin City Council on Dec. 17 that they felt unsafe after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities on Dec. 6 in Elgin. Speakers described agents entering restaurants and public spaces, demanding identification from nonwhite patrons, and the use of chemical irritants. They urged the council and city police to explain what officers can do in the moment to protect residents.

Chief Anna Lally (Chief Lally) told the council the police department received over 50 calls related to the Dec. 6 incident and had taken 11 police reports as of Dec. 16, including a traffic crash and an arrest. He said the department contacted each caller, requested any video or photos from the public, provided medical aid during the incident, and is coordinating with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office to review potential criminal charges. Chief Lally reiterated that Elgin officers operate under the parameters of the state Trust Act, which limits certain types of local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Public speakers recounted specific incidents. Joe Van Dyke said masked ICE agents entered a local restaurant, demanded IDs from patrons of color and took a person into custody; he said recording of the incident exists and asked whether the Elgin Police Department could physically stop ICE agents. Delaney Hernandez and Phil Blackwood described being tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed; Delaney said children were among those affected. An attorney speaking for community members alleged that an Elgin policy of non-response to ICE violates Illinois statutes and urged the council to adopt an ordinance requiring police to document, verify warrants, intervene against abuse, and protect all residents equally.

Speakers called for concrete actions including more transparency from the police (what officers will do when ICE arrives), a clear explanation of the legal limits placed on local officers by state law, and accountability for any alleged misconduct. Some public speakers urged lawsuits and stronger deterrents; others asked what steps the city would take administratively. Chief Lally said investigations are ongoing and encouraged residents to submit video and information to the department.

The council did not take a formal policy vote at this meeting; the chief’s update and citizen testimony were recorded as part of public comment and staff briefing. The department’s next steps, per Chief Lally, include continued investigation and coordination with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.