Mayor Stephen Hagerty issued the following statement in light of the ICE enforcement this weekend:
I am grateful for all who are reaching out in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. Given the fear and anxiety this weekend’s Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) action is causing, I want to update everyone on the situation in Evanston.
The Evanston Police Department will not provide any assistance to ICE in any enforcement actions in Evanston. The Police Department will monitor the situation throughout the weekend.
The Evanston Police Department is unaware of any enforcement action planned here. ICE has in the past conducted enforcement activities in Evanston without our knowledge or cooperation. We expect no prior knowledge of any enforcement.
The City of Evanston has had a “Welcoming City” policy since 2008. I am proud of the action taken in 2016 by the Evanston City Council under the leadership of former Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl to strengthen this original policy into local law. The current City Council made additional amendments to the ordinance in 2017. For more info on ordinance: https://www.cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/welcoming-city-resources
Yesterday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a package of legislation enhancing protection for immigrant families in Illinois. Our State’s and City’s values and actions are aligned on this matter.
The City of Evanston welcomes diversity and believes all individuals living or visiting our city should be treated fairly with respect and dignity. Evanston will not support any efforts contrary to these beliefs.
For updates on any activity in Evanston, please look to the City of Evanston or Evanston Police Department Twitter or Facebook accounts or call the Police non-emergency number 847-866-5000. For updates on regional activity go to https://immigrantjustice.org/