'Unsettling,' 'Unprecedented' Presence Of ICE Agents At Suburban Naval Base Sparks Fears

LAKE COUNTY, IL — In a move that has "created anxiety and uncertainty" for many in communities across northeastern Lake County — and especially for immigrant families — local leaders are working to reassure and provide guidance.

In a joint statement released Wednesday, officials with Lake County and the village of North Chicago acknowledged that "unprecedented" reports of federal agents coming to the Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago has been causing concerns for many. Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said federal agents are expected to be "fully assembled" in the Chicago area on Friday.

He added, "they might not be in action on Friday," but "they could be."

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Local leaders wanted residents to know they would not take part in any military action or assist ICE agents.

"First and foremost, these activities are coordinated entirely at the federal level. Under Illinois law, local and state law enforcement agencies do not and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement," the statement read. "Immigration matters remain solely under federal jurisdiction, and our local resources remain focused on serving and protecting our residents."

They also want all, and especially immigrant families, to be prepared.

"We know that this situation may cause fear, especially for immigrant families," the joint statement from Lake County and the village of North Chicago read.

Leaders are urging residents to take the time to learn their rights under Illinois law ahead of this week. According to the Illinois Attorney General, if you are approached by an ICE agent, those rights include:

• You have the right to remain silent and you are not required to answer any questions. You may tell the police officer or immigration agent that you choose to remain silent.
• If you have any valid immigration documentation, such as a permanent resident card, an employment authorization card, or a certificate of naturalization, you may show your documentation to an immigration agent if the agent asks to see them.
• The officer or agent may pat you down if they believe you are carrying a weapon.

More information on your rights can be found on the Illinois Attorney General's website.

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Pritzker, during a Wednesday press conference, urged residents to use their phones to video record any ICE action so "they know they are being watched."

"In any way that you can record what's going on in their neighborhoods by ICE because we think that is the best way to demonstrate what ICE is doing, if they are doing something wrong or to keep them honest and doing the right thing because they know they are being watched," he said.

On Wednesday, Pritzker also said he believes President Donald Trump is trying to set a legal trap by "begging" the governor to call him. "He wants to set into the fact pattern that the governor called him to ask for help," Pritzker said. "Why? Because he’s going to end up in court. He’s going to end up in court, and that will be a fact that they will use in court that the governor called to ask for help. And I’m sorry, I’m not going to provide him with evidence to support his desire to have the court rule in his favor. "

Lake County residents looking for useful information are urged to connect with "trusted organizations," such as the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, Prairie State Legal Services and Mano-A-Mano Family Resource Center.

"These groups are available to provide guidance, resources and support during this time," according to the joint statement from Lake County and the village of north Chicago.