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The Village of Romeoville has responded to recent immigration enforcement actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community. According to village officials, ICE does not notify or coordinate with local authorities regarding its activities.
In a statement, the Village acknowledged the concern these operations may cause for residents. "The Village of Romeoville understands that the presence of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our community can cause concern and uncertainty. We share these concerns and remain committed to protecting the constitutional rights and well-being of all who live and work in Romeoville within required guidelines and pursuant to applicable law."
The Romeoville Police Department emphasized its compliance with the Illinois TRUST Act, which restricts local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts. The department clarified that it will not assist ICE in executing civil immigration orders or other related matters. "In accordance with the Illinois TRUST Act, the Romeoville Police Department – like all law enforcement agencies in the state – will not participate in federal immigration enforcement. This law was designed to foster trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve by limiting local involvement in civil immigration matters. While we cannot prevent ICE from operating within our jurisdiction or otherwise interfere with ICE operations, the Romeoville Police Department will not assist in the execution of civil immigration orders or with other immigration enforcement matters," officials said.
"Our priority is – and will always be – the safety and legal protection of our community. We remain guided by Illinois law and the directives of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and we are committed to upholding these standards with transparency and respect," according to village representatives.
Community members seeking support have several resources available. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) operates a hotline at 855-435-7693 for those needing legal assistance or information about their rights during encounters with federal officers. Regional organizations such as the National Immigrant Justice Center also provide legal help related to immigration issues through https://immigrantjustice.org/issues/.
Residents can find additional information on state-level resources regarding immigration at https://www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/. Guidance on how individuals should handle interactions with federal officers is also accessible through various nonprofit organizations.
Individuals who believe they have experienced racial profiling by ICE can file complaints with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, or Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman.
Further details about how local police interact with federal agencies under state law are available via guidance issued by the Illinois Attorney General’s office.
