More Measures Needed To Ensure Safety With ICE In Glen Ellyn: League Of Women Voters

GLEN ELLYN, IL — The League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn (LWVGE) is urging the village to take additional measures to "ensure the safety and due process of its residents" amid ICE enforcement, a news release said. The call to action comes after Glen Ellyn released its own statement about immigration enforcement in the village.

A statement on immigration enforcement activity was shared by Glen Ellyn in late October. As of Dec. 10, the link to that statement on the village's website returned a 404 error message. The statement, covered by Patch on Oct. 31, began, "The Village of Glen Ellyn is aware of recent immigration enforcement activity in the area conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies. First and foremost, the safety and security of our residents continue to be our top priority."

Citing the Illinois Trust Act, the statement went on to assert that Glen Ellyn police will neither "participate in or assist" nor "interfere" with "federal agencies carrying out their lawful duties within Glen Ellyn."

The statement additionally stressed that Glen Ellyn police will continue "investigating crimes against individuals or property and taking appropriate action to maintain public safety during demonstrations or other events."

Additional measures recommended by LWVGE include prohibiting village resources from being used for immigration enforcement and displaying signage that communicates a warrant is required for immigration enforcement.

LWVGE also urged village staff to partner with the Glen Ellyn Police Department to develop procedural protocols that include requiring officers to respond to and investigate immigration enforcement incidents and requiring police to document immigration enforcement incidents and report state law violations.

The news release concluded, "The LWVGE believes these measures will demonstrate commitment on the part of the village to the rule of law and to the safety of all residents, including our immigrant communities, and further support the goal of the Village to be a welcoming, engaged community where people want to live."