West Chicago mayor proclaims 'Immigrants Are Essential' month; council to consider follow-up resolution

West Chicago — Mayor Daniel Lisonbee on Nov. 4 read a mayoral proclamation declaring support and solidarity with the city’s immigrant community and urging residents and local governing bodies to take steps to protect and support immigrant neighbors.

In the proclamation, Mayor Lisonbee recounted the historical contributions of immigrant communities to West Chicago and described recent incidents that have caused fear and economic harm among immigrant residents, including the mayor’s statement that 39 local residents had been detained in civil immigration actions over the prior 48 days and that many local businesses reported 40–60% drops in revenue since mid‑September. "I call on all residents of West Chicago to seek out material ways to support first and second generation immigrants," the mayor said as part of the proclamation text.

The proclamation asked the council to ratify a comparable resolution at a future meeting and asked residents to display signage and support locally owned businesses rooted in immigrant communities. After reading the proclamation, the mayor moved to adjourn and the council voted to adjourn.

Next steps: Mayor Lisonbee asked the council to bring a similar resolution for ratification at the next meeting; the transcript shows intent to place a resolution for council action in a future agenda.

Quoted in this article are verbatim excerpts from the mayor’s proclamation as read aloud at the Nov. 4 council meeting.