Evanston Moves To Strengthen Local Laws As ICE Moves Into Chicagoland

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston officials this week advanced two policies in response to recent incidents involving federal agents conducting law enforcement operations while wearing masks to conceal their identities.

The city's Human Services Committee moved forward a resolution calling on state and federal officials to enact legislation prohibiting law enforcement to conceal their identities. Recent incidents involving masked federal agents, including one incident in Skokie, have raised concerns.

The committee also advanced a companion ordinance that strengthens the city's law prohibiting the impersonation of an officer. The ordinance expands current law to apply to fire department officers as well as police, and makes impersonation of an officer a misdemeanor offense.

Both the resolution and the ordinance will move to the City Council for their consideration on Sept. 8.

"The City firmly opposes anonymous enforcement tactics, emphasizing the urgent need for increased transparency and communication between federal law enforcement and communities," city officials said in a statement. "By advocating for these changes, Evanston seeks to foster a climate of trust, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld during all law enforcement
operations."

On Thursday, the Pentagon approved the use of Great Lakes Naval Station, less than 30 miles north of Downtown Evanston, as a hub for Department of Homeland Security operations. President Donald Trump also recently announced his intentions to deploy the National Guard to Chicago as he did in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

Community members have already noticed signs of ICE in the Chicagoland, with one Lake Bluff woman reporting ICE vehicles and helicopters in her area.

Evanston adopted the Welcoming City Ordinance in 2016, limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. In 2025,the city further enhanced the ordinance adding more safeguards and address growing concerns among immigrants in Evanston.

"This ordinance ensures everyone in Evanston can live with respect, safety, and dignity, irrespective of their immigration or citizenship status," city officials said.

Evanston Police Department officers identify themselves by wearing uniforms or vests that are clearly marked with "Evanston Police" to ensure quick identification.This is mandatory while on duty to support officer safety and establish public trust.

Community members with concerns about whether masked actors are legitimate officers, or who suspect that they've been approached by someone impersonating an officer, were urged to take immediate action. Call 911 to report the incident or file a formal complaint with the Evanston Police Department.