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East Chicago council discusses immigration protections after community members urge action
Summary
Council members described forming a three-person committee and a planned outreach effort to inform residents of rights, while public commenters urged a formal resolution to limit ICE access to city property and described fear among families and businesses.
The East Chicago Common Council heard a series of public pleas and council reports about immigration enforcement and community protections at its Nov. 12 meeting.
Council members said they had convened a three-councilmember committee to review options and provide residents with information about rights and services. “We asked community advocates and the chief of police to join us,” Councilwoman Orange said during a committee report, adding the group intends to "blitz the community" using available marketing funds to distribute information and return with specific recommendations.
Several residents addressed the council during public comment, urging stronger symbolic and practical measures. Juan Hernandez told the council that "resolutions and laws mean nothing unless we give them meaning" and asked officials to "stand with the community," framing local action as part of a broader fight over civil rights. A teacher and former union officer who identified herself as Molly said ICE presence on city grounds causes "fear" and "mental anguish" for families and business owners and asked the council to consider a resolution that would prohibit use of city property by immigration agents without prior authorization.
Juan Fernandez, a community organizer who runs a long-running Thanksgiving food drive, also urged support for residents facing rising costs, describing a sharp increase in demand for food assistance and asking for volunteers and donations.
Council discussion focused on outreach and legal options. Council members said attorneys have advised on whether public hearings are required for certain federal grants and that staff would work with legal counsel to craft any proposed resolution or policy that the council could adopt without exceeding the city’s legal authority. Councilwoman Orange said the committee would bring back "numbers, information" and rights materials for review before pursuing a formal resolution.
The meeting record does not show a final vote adopting a citywide restriction on ICE access to city property; instead, council members described next steps that include community outreach, consultations with legal staff and a possible future council action once the committee completes its work.
The council moved on to other agenda items after the public-comment period; the immigration/ICE committee said it would return with information and proposals for the full council to consider.
