Watch Presentations and Proclamation Reading at the Jan. 20 City Council Meeting
Watch on YouTube (presentations begin at 27:18)
Over the past several weeks, City Council and staff have received a number of questions from residents regarding federal immigration enforcement in St. Charles. Many also have provided comments and public meetings. We have met with many community members to listen and respond, and we appreciate those conversations. To provide clarity and ensure that all residents have access to the same information, we felt it would be helpful to address these questions publicly.
At the January 20 City Council meeting, St. Charles Police Chief Dan Likens provided an overview of the Police Department’s current policies and procedures. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser addressed the legal framework governing what a municipality can and cannot do with respect to federal immigration enforcement activities. And Mayor Clint Hull delivered his own comments and read an official proclamation reinforcing the City's support of the TRUST Act, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring respect, dignity, and safety for all St. Charles residents.
Our Commitment to the Community
First and foremost, we want to assure you that the safety and security of the community is our top priority. We are committed to working together with residents, community groups, and partners to ensure that everyone feels safe, supported, and heard in St. Charles.
We continue to listen closely to all who speak at public meetings, write to us, or meet with us. We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their experiences. We care about the St. Charles community and remain committed to listening. The St. Charles Police Department is dedicated to professional, fair policing and to strengthening trust through open dialogue and building community partnerships.
We are sharing this information to help answer the questions we’ve received about federal enforcement, the TRUST Act, and the legal boundaries the City and Police Department operate within these situations.
St. Charles Police Department and the TRUST Act
The St. Charles Police Department fully complies with the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Key Components of the TRUST Act
The TRUST Act also prohibits local police from detaining individuals based on immigration holds or ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, aiming to protect immigrant communities and uphold due process.
- 911 is for Everyone - No person will be denied police, fire or emergency medical services based on their immigration status. We remain focused on protecting all residents and providing services equally to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
- When you See Something, Say Something - No witness, victim or other person reporting a crime will be questioned regarding their immigration status.
- Local police are prohibited from detaining individuals based on immigration holds or ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, aiming to protect immigrant communities and uphold due process.
- The local police will not stop, search, or arrest any person on their perceived immigration status.
- Our officers do not conduct immigration-related investigations.
- Our officers do not participate in immigration-related arrests.
- The Police Department does not receive advance notice of federal immigration operations.
Read the state’s guidance regarding the TRUST Act.
Immigration Information Resources
The Illinois Immigration Information Hub is an easy-to-use site where you can get connected to essential immigration-related resources. Visit IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org to see all they offer.
Phone
1-855-435-7693 Family Support Network Hotline answered in English, Spanish, Korean & Polish
Additional Resources:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights
Know Your Rights
The Resurrection Project Immigrant Justice
National Immigrant Justice Center
Housing and Food Resources
Immigrant Family Resource Program
Illinois Welcoming Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the St. Charles Police Department used for ICE Operations?
No. The Police Department facilities are not used for ICE enforcement.
Do St. Charles Police Officers assist ICE in making arrests?
No. St. Charles Police Officers have no role in ICE detentions, arrests, or other enforcement operations.
How do St. Charles Police interact with ICE agents?
Typically, St. Charles Police have little contact with ICE agents unless they are responding to a 911 call as part of their normal duties.
Why can’t the St. Charles Police stop the ICE agents?
Federal regulations and enforcement supersede state and local government regulations and ordinances. The City and its police officers cannot lawfully interfere with federal enforcement.
What do I do if I have specific questions about ICE operations in the area?
Visit the Illinois Immigration Information Hub at illinoisimmigrationinfo.org to be connected to a wide range of organizations that offer immigration-related services.
Are there special resources to assist with immigration-related issues?
The Illinois Immigration Information Hub is an easy-to-use site where you can get connected to essential immigration-related resources. Visit IllinoisImmigrationInfo.org to see all they offer.
Additional Resources:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights
Know Your Rights
The Resurrection Project Immigrant Justice
National Immigrant Justice Center
Housing and Food Resources
Immigrant Family Resource Program
Illinois Welcoming Centers