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Peoria officials outline Trust Act compliance and police expectations if ICE operations occur locally
Summary
Mayor and police leadership reiterated that Peoria will follow Illinois Trust Act guidance limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; the police chief said officers will not enforce federal immigration law, will activate body-worn cameras during any immigration-related response and will focus on public-safety and de-escalation.
Peoria — In response to national immigration-enforcement operations and community concern, Mayor Ali and Police Chief briefed the City Council on Jan. 27 about the Trust Act and internal expectations for any local interaction with U.S. immigration authorities.
Mayor Ali reviewed state guidance restricting local law enforcement from assisting in civil immigration enforcement operations, complying with detainers, or transferring individuals to federal custody without a criminal warrant. Corporation Counsel Hayes reminded the council that the city must follow state law and that certain reporting and procedural requirements exist.
Police Chief told the council and the public that Peoria officers will not enforce federal immigration law and outlined seven core expectations communicated in a recent internal memo: Peoria Police will not assist ICE beyond what is legally required; officers will activate body-worn cameras in immigration-related incidents; they will not inquire into immigration status except as required by law; they will prioritize de-escalation, the safety of bystanders, and notification up the chain of command for any immigration-enforcement response. "Peoria Police do not enforce federal immigration law," the chief said.
Community members urged the council to adopt formal local ordinances and a rapid-response plan that would clarify roles for emergency responders, schools and social services, and to consider measures such as bans on sharing data with ICE and eviction protections if large enforcement actions occur. Councilmembers asked staff to consider policy options and potential next steps, including a policy session to study distance or density limits for certain facilities and stronger neighborhood engagement before similar proposals are brought forward.
Next steps: Staff will review possible policy and ordinance options and follow up with community stakeholders; the police department will continue to implement and communicate the internal expectations described to civic groups and first responders.
