PEORIA (25News Now) – The Peoria Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is calling on local elected officials and law enforcement leaders to publicly reaffirm their commitment to the Illinois Trust Act following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Central Illinois.
In a statement released Wednesday, the organization said reports of increased ICE activity have created fear and uncertainty, particularly within the Latino community.
The statement follows an announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that ICE agents arrested 21 people during targeted immigration enforcement operations in Peoria and Springfield between Oct. 26 and Oct. 28. DHS said those arrested included people with final orders of removal and individuals with criminal histories.
The ACLU urged mayors, sheriffs, police chiefs and other public officials to publicly commit to following the Illinois Trust Act, which limits how state and local law enforcement can participate in federal immigration enforcement under Illinois law.
The organization also reminded residents that constitutional rights apply during encounters with immigration officers, including the right to remain silent, request an attorney and, in many cases, decline entry into their home without a judicial warrant.
The ACLU said it believes local leaders should provide reassurance to residents.
The organization said it will continue monitoring immigration enforcement activity throughout the Peoria area.
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