Morton Grove residents press board for clearer limits on federal immigration enforcement on village property
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Summary
Multiple residents urged the village to adopt stronger, specific signage and clearer policies prohibiting civil immigration enforcement on village‑owned property; trustees said staff have implemented six measures and are posting signage and resources while noting limits of local authority under state and federal law.
Several Morton Grove residents used the public‑comment portion of the Dec. 9 village board meeting to press elected officials for clearer protections against civil immigration enforcement on village property and for more explicit signage.
"When ICE is acting outside the law, our police should be empowered to stop them, not just document the event," said Clara, a resident who cited the village ‘know your rights’ web content and said it did not align with the protections she expects under the Trust Act. Andrea Quartz and Janice Cha also urged the board to post signage that specifically prohibits civil immigration enforcement activities on village‑owned property, noting neighboring suburbs have adopted that language.
Speakers said the village's current posted language and planned signs omit explicit reference to federal immigration enforcement and therefore do not provide the clear notice they requested. They also urged more public dialogue, including town‑hall style meetings, so residents could have more extended engagement with trustees.
Mayor Janine Whitko responded that staff have taken multiple steps — including establishing a confidential social‑worker line, developing signage to indicate which village properties are for "village business only," and circulating personnel policy guidance to relevant groups — to protect vulnerable residents. Whitko said some actions are already in effect and that village staff are coordinating with township and religious institutions to reach people who might be hesitant to come forward.
Trustees and staff repeatedly emphasized the limits of local authority when federal agencies are involved while outlining non‑legislative steps taken by the village to assist residents and publicize protections and resources.
What’s next: Residents asked for additional public engagement and for the board to consider more specific sign language. Trustees said they would continue to meet with community groups and that staff had already enacted several measures to support at‑risk residents.
