Elgin approves resolution banning immigration enforcement on city property

Elgin City Council members gave final approval Wednesday to a resolution prohibiting city-owned properties from being used as a staging area, processing location, operations base or other support for immigration enforcement unless required by law or court order.

The prohibition applies to city buildings, parking lots, garages or other public areas.

The resolution directs departments to post signage in English and Spanish clearly stating that city property cannot be used for civil immigration enforcement. It also requires employees to report any attempted or actual use of city property for civil immigration enforcement to their supervisors, who then must notify the city manager’s office.

An Elgin Police Department supervisor is required to respond to incidents involving individuals claiming to be federal agents on city property, assess and document the situation and determine whether a violation occurred. The city manager or a designee will review each incident, coordinate with the Illinois Accountability Commission when appropriate and seek court intervention if federal authorities unlawfully use city property.

Private property owners can request standardized city-designed signage to voluntarily designate private areas as off-limits for civil immigration enforcement.

Individuals should call 911 if they believe civil immigration enforcement activity is occurring on city property or on private property with signage.

The full resolution is available in English and Spanish on the city’s Immigration Resources webpage at: elginil.gov/immigration. Free signs are available at City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, with digital versions available for download on the same webpage.