Illinois ICE guidance: What we know about raids and local law enforcement's response
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Deportation flights have reportedly begun as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increases operations across the country, prompting Illinois and Chicago law enforcement agencies to assess their approach to ICE activities within the state.
Guided by the Illinois Trust Act, which limits local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, agencies across the state are emphasizing their commitment to community safety while adhering to state laws.
Police departments and government offices have outlined their approach to dealing with federal immigration authorities.
Here’s what we know about ICE raids in Illinois and how law enforcement is preparing to respond.
Illinois impacted by ICE's first large-scale arrest operation
In its first major enforcement action under the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a nationwide operation resulting in over 460 arrests, including in Illinois.
The crackdown targeted undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
What we know:
Between Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested individuals with charges or convictions including sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and drug offenses.
Arrests occurred in multiple states, including Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida and Maryland.
ICE also issued more than 420 detainers—requests to notify ICE when undocumented individuals are released from custody. These requests targeted individuals charged with severe crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, and robbery.
The Illinois Connection:
Illinois was one of several states where arrests were carried out during the operation. While specific details on arrests in Illinois were not disclosed, the state’s inclusion reflects its role as a focal point for immigration enforcement.
The arrests come as the Trump administration is moving rapidly to fulfill its promise to launch a historic mass deportation operation, which it has said will focus primarily – but not exclusively – on public safety threats.
This week, the administration made a slew of moves to make it happen, including a barrage of executive orders by President Trump and subsequent moves by his cabinet agencies.
Fox News reported Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security has removed limits from powers of expedited removal, a day after it rescinded a Biden-era memo restricting where ICE can conduct enforcement operations.
ICE detention facilities that fall under the Chicago jurisdiction, but are not located in Illinois, include: Boone County Jail, Chase County Jail, Clay County Jail, Dodge Detention Facility and Kay County Detention Facility.
What is the Illinois TRUST Act?
What we know:
Illinois has set limits on what local law enforcement can do when it comes to federal immigration enforcement through the Illinois Trust Act and its updates. These rules make sure local officers aren’t getting involved in civil immigration matters unless absolutely necessary.
The law includes the following:
- Local law enforcement can’t hold someone just because of an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant.
- Officers can’t question or investigate someone’s immigration status unless the law specifically requires it—though there are some exceptions, like for federal firearm checks or international agreements.
- Local agencies can’t help with federal immigration operations, share information about detainees, or transfer someone into federal custody for civil immigration issues, unless required by law or a criminal warrant.
- Illinois also doesn’t allow local or state agencies to make or renew contracts to detain people for civil immigration violations. Any existing contracts had to end by January 2022.
- Lastly, someone’s citizenship or immigration status can’t affect their access to benefits, services, or opportunities, like education or rehabilitation programs, while they’re in custody or on probation.
The Illinois Attorney General has the authority to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, and pursue legal action to ensure compliance with the law.
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ICE guidance from Illinois and Chicago officials
Chicago Police Department
What they're saying:
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) issued a statement this week outlining its approach to handling requests from federal immigration authorities:
In accordance with the City of Chicago’s Municipal Code, which includes the Welcoming City Ordinance, the Chicago Police Department does not assist federal immigration authorities with enforcement action solely based on immigration status. Additionally, CPD does not document immigration status and does not share such information with federal authorities.
CPD is prohibited by the Welcoming City Ordinance from participating in civil immigration enforcement operations or assisting in the civil enforcement of federal immigration law. CPD’s Responding to Incidents Involving Citizenship Status policy also states that if the Department receives a request from an immigration agency to provide assistance with a civil immigration enforcement operation, a supervisor will respond to the scene. If the request is to assist in the enforcement of civil immigration law, the supervisor will decline the request. If the request is unrelated to civil immigration law, appropriate police action will be taken. The Responding to Incidents Involving Citizenship Status policy was recently revised to require a supervisor of higher rank (a Watch Operations Lieutenant or Street Deputy) to respond to the scenes of these requests, in addition to the previously required supervisor from the district of occurrence.
To be clear, the Chicago Police Department will not assist or intervene in civil immigration enforcement in accordance with the City of Chicago Municipal Code. As always, we will continue to enforce the law if a crime occurs, regardless of the citizenship status of those involved.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's Office
What they're saying:
The day before President Trump was inaugurated, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reiterated his strong opposition to his immigration reforms aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants accused of crimes.
Johnson reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In a social media post, Johnson said, "Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering. We will continue to fight for the justice and safety of all who call this place home."
He added that Trump’s policies threaten not only undocumented families but also Black families and other communities.
"We’re going to stand up, and we’re going to protect undocumented individuals," Johnson said. "We’re going to protect Black folks, brown folks, Asian folks… Listen, the anti-sentiment that exists in this political space is unconscionable and it’s dangerous."
"Whether it’s anti-Black or antisemitic, we’re going to protect people, and we’re going to invest in people," Johnson continued. "The city of Chicago will be better, stronger and safer despite who’s in the White House."
City agencies are prepared to follow Johnson’s guidelines on handling ICE interactions, emphasizing a legal and cautious approach.
Johnson’s guidelines advise, "Contact your agency or department’s designated attorney or general counsel for further guidance. Contact the highest ranking official or designated supervisor onsite and do not take any action until that person arrives."
The guidance says to demand copies of warrants, not to consent to ICE entering "any private or ‘sensitive’ locations," but not to interfere with any search, even if refused. There are further recommendations, including taking notes and keeping contemporaneous written records.
Aurora Police Department
What they're saying:
The Aurora Police Department issued a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, saying it will follow the policies and practices set within the Illinois TRUST Act.
"The Aurora Police Department remains committed to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to all members of our community.
"Since the enactment of the Illinois TRUST Act in 2017, our policies and practices have aligned with its principles. Officers are not permitted to stop, arrest, search, or detain individuals solely based on their citizenship or immigration status. These policies have not changed, and our focus remains on enforcing state and local laws to ensure public safety.
"We understand the concerns surrounding recent federal immigration policies and encourage residents to reach out with any specific questions. Our commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and open communication with all members of our diverse community remains unchanged."
Lake County Sheriff's Office
What they're saying:
The Lake County Sheriff's Office told FOX 32 Chicago that it will follow state law.
"The Illinois TRUST act outlines that Illinois law enforcement cannot enforce federal immigration laws. We also cannot obstruct the federal government from performing its enforcement efforts."
Waukegan Police and Waukegan Mayor
What they're saying:
The Waukegan Police Department and Mayor Ann Taylor have affirmed their commitment to following the Illinois TRUST Act, stating in part:
"Waukegan, under the leadership of Mayor Ann Taylor and Police Chief Edgardo Navarro, reasserts its dedication to adhering to the Illinois Trust Act. This legislation aims to stop the participation of local law enforcement in federal immigration issues. The city's main objective during this time is to secure and maintain the well-being of our community by following the guidance of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, avoiding participation in federal enforcement efforts and by preventing the sharing of information solely based on immigration status."
The Illinois Department of Corrections
What they're saying:
The Illinois Department of Corrections issued a statement to all staff regarding their response to potential ICE raids, which included the following:
"Pursuant to the Illinois TRUST Act, the Illinois Department of Corrections is prohibited from detaining an individual solely based on an immigration detainer or non-judicial immigration warrant. All individuals in custody are to be released at the expiration of their sentence. Unless there is a valid judicial warrant, all individuals being released at the expiration of their sentence from a correctional facility shall be released in accordance with their transportation release plan.
"If Department staff are unable to determine whether a detainer or warrant is civil or criminal or judicial in nature, they shall contact the appropriate IDOC legal services attorney.
"Unless otherwise limited by federal law, individuals in custody may not be denied services, benefits, privileges or opportunities, including but not limited to, eligibility or placement in a lower custody, classification, educational, rehabilitative, or diversionary programs, on the basis of their citizenship, immigration status, the issuance of an immigration detainer or civil warrant against the individual, or the individual being involved in immigration removal proceedings."
Gov. JB Pritzker's Office
What they're saying:
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker addressed potential deportation raids and criticized federal actions he deemed unconstitutional.
In a statement released last week, Pritzker emphasized the importance of protecting Illinois residents and ensuring state laws are upheld.
"Every family and child deserves to feel safe and secure in the place they call home. Every resident of Illinois should know their rights. I intend to protect those rights and ensure our state laws are followed," Pritzker said.
The governor also condemned President Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to undermine the rule of law.
"President Trump’s executive order to strip birthright citizenship from people born in this country is unconstitutional. Here in Illinois, we follow the law. This is only the beginning of the new administration’s attempt to undermine the rule of law, and the people of Illinois can count on me to stand against unconstitutional actions."
The Source: Information from this article was obtained from various law enforcement agencies across Illinois. Background information was obtained from FOX News Digital.