Brookfield trustees adopt resolution limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

The Villager Brookfield board voted Monday to adopt a resolution clarifying limits on the village’s cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.

Trustee Whitehead moved the measure, saying staff and public input drove the language. "Police Chief Caravella and all our officers have been proactive in reviewing and updating department policies and ensuring they're complying with applicable state and federal law," Whitehead said, adding that Village Manager Tim Weiburg and Village Attorney Adam Durkin contributed to drafting the approach. The motion was seconded by Trustee Hendricks and passed on roll call.

The resolution (referred to in the record as "Resolution 20 26-R") was the focus of a public-comment period in which several residents urged trustees to adopt a formal statement of policy. Anna Alvarez Lundbeck, who identified herself as a Brookfield resident, told the board she supports the resolution and described what she said were enforcement tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in other jurisdictions: plainclothes approaches near schools and bus stops, staged vehicles and agents posing as delivery or service drivers to gain entry to homes. "We cannot let them infiltrate our wonderful community," she said, urging the board to vote yes.

Adam Kader, who said he represents Arise Chicago, described the measure as a proactive stance local officials can take to protect residents and to signal community values even within the limits of local authority. Chris Meyer, another resident, cited national problems in federal custody and said passage would provide "a sense of safety and reassurance" to Brookfield residents. Amy Kykendall, a resident and consultant, encouraged attention to data-security implications of enforcement and local records.

Trustees recorded their votes on roll call; the resolution passed. Trustees and staff emphasized the measure supplements existing local policy (the trust act) while recognizing legal limits on local authority to impede federal enforcement. The board did not identify new enforcement mechanisms or funding changes in the resolution; it aims to state village policy and clarify the use of village property and resources.

The board also thanked residents for their input and acknowledged that staff will continue to review departmental procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal law. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.