Claims Of Lake County Sheriff's Office Working With ICE Are False, Police Say

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Information circulating on social media regarding the Lake County Sheriff's Office working with federal immigration agents to help "turn people over to ICE" is false, sheriff's office officials said Thursday.

In a statement posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page, officials said they are aware of the posts being shared on social media.

The post reads: "the sheriffs office just signed agreements with ICE. Deputies can now turn people over to ICE during stops if there's already a detainer, and jail staff can hold people up to 48 hours for ICE pickup. They said no random raids, but still be aware and know your rights."

Sheriff's office officials said they cannot legally work with ICE on their immigration enforcement efforts.

"To be clear - Illinois law prohibits local law enforcement from holding individuals on ICE detainers or coordinating with ICE on immigration enforcement," according to the statement from the sheriff's office. "The Sheriff’s Office has not signed any agreements with ICE. Our mission remains focused on public safety and serving all members of our community with fairness and respect."