Amid ICE Fears, Bolingbrook Says Cops Will Not Take Part In Immigration Enforcement

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Bolingbrook Police Department and Village of Bolingbrook have received numerous inquiries about deportation operations of ICE in the Chicago area, police said in a news alert on Tuesday.

"The Village remains steadfast in our commitment to our community members and encourages our residents to be supportive of each other during this potentially stressful time," police said in a statement. "The Bolingbrook Police Department complies fully with the Illinois TRUST Act and does not independently undertake immigration-related investigations."

The Illinois TRUST Act limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, according to the news alert. A primary provision prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on immigration detainers or administrative warrants issued by federal authorities. Without a judicial warrant or probable cause of a criminal offense, local police cannot hold individuals for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The act also prevents law enforcement officers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status during routine interactions, such as traffic stops.

"Safety starts with connection. That’s why Mayor Basta, our elected officials, and Chief Rompa work hand-in-hand with our residents and community groups to create a place where everyone feels secure, supported and heard," the news alert states.

Police also provided some immigration facts, including:

• No person will be denied police services or any other benefit from the Village of Bolingbrook based on their immigration status.
• The BPD will not stop, search, or arrest any person solely on the person’s perceived immigration status.
• No witness, victim or other person reporting a crime will be questioned regarding their immigration status absent a lawful arrest for a criminal offense.
• ️The BPD will not proactively notify ICE of the arrest of an undocumented person absent a federal criminal warrant or a federal judicial determination of probable cause.
• ️The Bolingbrook Police Department is dedicated to building trust within our community and will not waste resources eroding it.