United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has conducted operations in Urbana over the last several weeks, according to a statement by Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams Tuesday.
In the statement, Williams made clear that the Urbana Police Department didn’t participate in ICE’s operations, and the city is limited in what it can do when responding to federal immigration enforcement.
“In recent days, there’s been a lot of attention on the presence of federal agents in the greater Chicagoland area,” the statement read. “I want to make our community aware that similar activities have also taken place here in Urbana and nearby communities over the past several weeks.”
Local law enforcement cannot assist ICE or enforce federal immigration laws, including detaining someone based on their immigration status, according to the Illinois TRUST Act and the Illinois Way Forward Act.
“Our focus continues to be the safety, inclusion, and well-being of everyone who calls Urbana home,” the statement read.
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Williams went on to state the City of Urbana is committed to following Illinois law and Urbana’s sanctuary city resolution while remaining committed to the well-being of Urbana’s residents.
“Although municipal governments cannot legally interfere with federal enforcement actions, Urbana stands unwavering in its commitment to protect our residents, ensure equal access to city services for all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin and strengthen the trust between residents and local government,” the statement read.
Williams stated that the city is monitoring local federal activity and taking steps to keep Urbana residents safe in accordance with the law. He continued by encouraging residents to know their legal rights and to utilize local organizations that provide immigration assistance.
Local organizations that provide immigrant-related services include Cunningham’s Children’s Home, the New American Welcome Center, Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana, The Refugee Center and The Immigration Project.
The University also has its own services community members can refer to for further immigration assistance, including reaching out to an undocumented student liaison and consultations with a student support team through Open Illinois.
Williams wrote that the city of Urbana is “one community, and we look out for one another. Urbana will continue to stand for dignity, safety, and respect for all.”
The statement comes after a local immigration group confirmed ICE’s presence in the city on Oct. 23, and The Daily Illini reported on ICE arresting two individuals outside the Champaign County Courthouse in early April.
In the event of ICE being reported on campus, the University advises employees to refer agents to UIPD or the Office of the University Counsel, depending on their requests. So far, the University has not confirmed any sightings of ICE on campus.
