Resolution Prohibits Immigration Enforcement On Village-Owned Properties In Wheeling

WHEELING, IL — Following federal immigration agents requesting use of a fire station parking lot over the weekend, the Wheeling Village Board has approved a resolution prohibiting such use of Village-owned properties. Those properties include parking lots, vacant lots, and garages as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases for civil immigration enforcement activities.

The Village said the incident occurred Saturday at Fire Station No. 44 on Milwaukee Avenue. The agents approached a firefighter, who immediately contacted their supervisor. The federal agents later left voluntarily. According to the Village, the agents never entered the facility and no equipment or resources were used. Officials also said the Village did not participate in, assist, or aid the agents.

RELATED: ICE Agents Request Use Of Fire Station Parking Lot — Village

"The Village of Wheeling is a welcoming community built on respect, inclusion, and trust. Our residents, many from different backgrounds and countries, make Wheeling the vibrant and caring place it is today," Village President Patrick Horcher said in a letter to residents regarding the passage of the resolution.

Officials said the resolution only addresses the use of Village-owned property, as federal immigration authorities retain their authority to conduct enforcement operations under federal law. They added that it doesn't prevent agents from making arrests on publicly owned property or operating on private property, public streets, or other non-Village property.

On the Village website, a series of frequently asked questions section was created for residents to provide more information about what the resolution does, how it will be implemented, and how residents can access social services resources they need, according to the Village.

"We encourage everyone to review this information to gain a deeper understanding of the Village’s ongoing commitment to transparency, safety, and community trust.," Horcher said. "Wheeling remains a community where every resident should feel safe, welcome, and valued."