Saint Charles residents press council to bar ICE from city property; police chief says department does not assist federal immigration enforcement

Dozens of Saint Charles residents urged the City Council to adopt an ordinance prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating on city-owned property, while others warned such a ban could interfere with federal enforcement and public safety. Police Chief Dan Likens told the council the St. Charles Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement and remains bound by the 2017 Trust Act.

"I ask you that to review and pass an ordinance that prohibits ICE to use our property, public property," said Walter Nagy, a longtime St. Charles resident who framed the request as a stand for dignity and humane treatment. Multiple speakers described fear among immigrant neighbors and recounted personal or secondhand accounts of aggressive federal operations.

Opponents urged caution. "By preventing these agents from carrying out their lawful responsibilities, our city would be actively hindering federal enforcement efforts," said Jill Aducci, a 20-year resident who said cooperation with federal authorities preserves public safety and avoids costly legal challenges.

Chief Dan Likens told the council the police department "does not participate in immigration enforcement activities" and that it complies with the city's Trust Act. He said officers responded to 9-1-1 calls in the incident cited by speakers and that "at no time did the St. Charles police officer assist ICE agents in immigration enforcement activities." Likens also said ICE agents were not permitted into department facilities in the case under review and invited community groups to meet with the department to discuss concerns.

Speakers on both sides urged the council to act in ways that protect residents and preserve the rule of law. Several callers asked for a local ordinance; others recommended nonlegislative steps. Council members and the mayor repeatedly said they had received many emails and calls on the issue and that they would pursue follow-up steps that could include community conversations and an informational web page.

The mayor acknowledged "verified ICE activities in the St. Charles community" and said the council and staff have been in contact with residents and groups since the matter was raised. No ordinance was enacted at the Dec. 1 meeting; council leaders described next steps as planning-focused, including outreach, resource development and facilitated conversations to seek common ground.

How the council proceeds is likely to be shaped by upcoming follow-up meetings and any formal proposals presented for consideration at future council meetings.