Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Chicago leaders and residents reeling after ICE detentions that removed 15 people
Summary
At the Sept. 15 City Council meeting, the mayor and other officials described morning ICE activity in West Chicago that detained about 15 residents, said the city’s police were not involved, and urged community support while officials investigate and offer assistance.
West Chicago officials opened their Sept. 15 council meeting by describing a dawn immigration enforcement operation that they said resulted in about 15 residents being detained.
“Today was a really rough day for our community,” the mayor said, adding that the detentions occurred “this morning between 7AM and 10AM.” He said many parents reported children having panic attacks and that some local businesses closed “for safety reasons” amid heightened fear.
The mayor told the council the city’s Latino community was “in crisis” and urged residents to support those affected. He emphasized that West Chicago Police were “not engaged in ICE enforcement activities,” and said photos of ICE agents using public restrooms at the police station do not mean the police were working with federal officers.
“We had 15 residents that were taken away,” he said. “I’m gonna be praying for the families of the 15 that were taken away today. I mean, that's a huge loss in our community.”
Council members and staff framed the remarks in the context of public safety and municipal authority. The mayor appealed for calm and encouraged residents to check on neighbors and rely on city services for help.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting specifically tied to the detentions. Officials said the city will continue outreach and that police are available to residents. The meeting later recessed into a closed session for separate personnel and litigation matters.
What’s next: City staff said they will provide resources and follow-up as the council continues its regular agenda. The mayor asked residents and staff to report concerns and to coordinate with city staff for assistance.
