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Elgin city leaders issued statements addressing public concern over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city.
“The City of Elgin is known for being a loving, supportive, and generous community where all people are treated with respect and dignity, and neighbors help others in need — we are also a community where everyone should be able to live, work and play without fear for their safety and well-being,” Mayor Theresa McShan said in a statement. “It is unconscionable to separate families and tear apart out Latino communities, and I believe the agency is on a slippery slope towards targeting other vulnerable communities, many of whom reside in Elgin.”
According to City Manager Robert Eads, the Elgin Police Department has no formal or informal agreements with federal immigration authorities, does not ask about a person’s immigration status and does not issue warrants on behalf of ICE.
“We support Chief Noble and our public safety officers when they respond and aid federal, state or county agencies that request their help to enforce criminal laws, and we fully support their commitment to act within the confines of all Federal, State, and local laws to protect our community,” Eads said in a statement. “Like other cities across our great nation, we are keeping a close eye on the actions of this agency and will continue to support and protect our law-abiding residents from harm and distress to the extent that we are able. I too believe that God created us all equal — so equally is how we should all be treated.”
More to come in the Courier.
