Residents ask village leaders to discuss ICE activity; students plan protest at high school

Several residents and a student organizer used the Feb. 12 public comment period to ask village leaders to communicate with the community about potential ICE activity.

Paul Fiutak told trustees he attended a Feb. 4 meeting about ICE actions in Minneapolis and asked that the Village and Town Boards and the police chief hold discussions about the possibility of an ICE event locally and report back. Trustee Zapata said she and the mayor had met with the chief and lieutenant and recommended involving county officials because the village police "only operates within the Village." Chief Heggelke said area chiefs meet with sheriffs and state police and that they have met directly with ICE; he noted mutual aid agreements are in place.

High‑school junior Quinn Reilly and fellow student organizers (including Ava Williamson) told the board they will hold a student‑run protest on the Elizabeth Street sidewalk the following day; Quinn said the principal had been informed. Shannon Reilly, Quinn’s parent, and Mr. Williamson spoke in support and asked for better communication so residents know what local leaders are discussing.

Trustee Zapata told the students they were "exercising their constitutional right and nobody should be giving them a hard time for it." Chief Heggelke asked community members who attend meetings to help communicate to neighbors that leaders are discussing the issue publicly.

No formal action was taken; trustees agreed to continue coordinating with county partners and area chiefs as needed.