West Cook News

The Village of River Forest has acknowledged recent immigration enforcement actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies in the area. According to the Village, there was no prior communication or advance notice from these agencies regarding their activities.

Local police in River Forest are guided by the Illinois TRUST Act, which restricts them from participating in or assisting with federal immigration enforcement efforts. "All Village police officers are trained in the TRUST Act requirements and the Village’s Welcoming Resolution - which outline that while local police do not engage in federal immigration enforcement, officers continue to have full authority to enforce State laws and local ordinances. These responsibilities are essential to serve and protect the community and should not be mistaken for immigration enforcement activities," stated the Village.

Residents who call 911 can expect a response solely from local police officers, without ICE involvement. The Department does not inquire about an individual's immigration status nor detain anyone based only on that status. The Department also does not assist with federal immigration investigations.

While federal law requires that local police do not interfere with federal agencies performing their duties, residents seeking legal help can contact organizations such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), which provides a hotline at 855-435-7693 connecting individuals with attorneys knowledgeable about immigrant rights. Additional resources are available for those looking to understand how to interact with federal officers.

The Village is working with nearby municipalities to coordinate regional best practices centered on transparency, engagement, and peaceful public expression. Residents wishing to demonstrate are encouraged to do so peacefully and respectfully; guidance for protestors is available through resources like those provided by the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago.

For more details about how the Illinois TRUST Act affects local policing, residents can refer to guidance from the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Further information about Illinois immigration policies is accessible online through Illinois Immigration Information.

Updates will be shared through the Village’s weekly Enewsletter as more verified information becomes available. Residents can subscribe at vrf.us/enews.