Arlington Heights Creates Immigration Resources Webpage

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — In sync with a recently passed ordinance that restricts the conduct of civil immigration enforcement operations on Village property, Arlington Heights has launched a new webpage dedicated to immigration resources. Officials said the intent of the webpage is to provide useful information for community members, along with any updates to the Village's policies related to federal civil immigration enforcement activity.

"The Village of Arlington Heights is aware of confirmed immigration enforcement activity that has occurred both within Arlington Heights and in surrounding communities," officials say on the webpage. "We recognize that this activity can create significant concern, uncertainty, and stress for many in our community — including families, employees, and business owners."

Early last month, the Village Board directed staff to research options for local action regarding immigration enforcement activities in the area. Trustees met on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 to discuss the topic, and along with public feedback, passed the ordinance at the latter meeting.

According to the ordinance, "Village Property" refers to any structure, building, parking lot, park or open space, adjacent land, or other item of real or personal property that is owned by, operated by, or leased to the Village, but excluding rights-of-way. Federal agents are prohibited from using the properties as staging areas, detention areas, processing locations, operations bases, or any other related function.

In addition, in compliance with the Illinois TRUST Act, Arlington Heights police officers are restricted from assisting federal agents with immigration enforcement operations.

The page is available at vah.com/immigration and will be edited as updates become available, according to the Village.