Union County commissioners back Immigrant Trust Act resolution after extensive public comment

The Union County Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act after sustained public comment from local immigrant-rights organizers and residents.

Advocates who addressed the board described recent ICE activity they said was harming families and urged county leaders to pressure state lawmakers to pass a statewide law. Adam McGovern of Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center said the county’s earlier decision not to open a new detention facility had "saved countless lives," adding, "Doing the right thing can be lonely, but here you see it’s popular." Several speakers cited rapid-response work by groups such as Resistencia to document and interrupt raids.

Commissioner Granados, who introduced the item on the agenda, said the act "is about ensuring that every person, regardless of immigration status, can feel safe seeking help, reporting a crime, or accessing services without fear." Commissioner Mirabella and Commissioner Kowalski also voiced support during remarks after the public-comment period.

Members of the public offered personal accounts they said illustrated the bill’s urgency. Asma Elhuni, an organizer with Resistencia, recounted being arrested twice while assisting community members and said volunteers routinely document what they described as unlawful raids; she told the board, "We have seen more times than we can count families ripped from their loved ones." Other speakers described parents detained while dropping children at school, workers moved between detention centers, and the emotional and economic toll on families.

The board’s adoption came as part of a larger slate of resolutions approved by roll call. The clerk recorded the slate as adopted with the exception of one abstention recorded for Resolution 2025-789. Commissioners and staff framed the county resolution as a way to signal local support to the state legislature; several speakers urged the board to notify the Senate leadership and other counties.

The meeting closed with commissioners thanking community organizers and reminding residents of upcoming county events. Chairwoman Leon announced local projects and the meeting was then adjourned.

Next steps: The board instructed county staff to file and distribute the adopted resolution to other counties and state legislative leaders, as requested by commissioners.