Community Message - October 29, 2025

Immigration Enforcement, Your Rights, and Resources

The Village of Wilmette along with its Human Relations Commission is committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive community where all feel safe and welcome. The Village strives to promote the well-being and safety of all members of the community including those who live in, work in, and visit Wilmette.

Accordingly, we want to share with the community credible reports of immigration enforcement actions taken in Wilmette this afternoon. While the Village and the Police Department were not made aware of these actions in advance, nor have any additional information at this time, we want to share the following information with the community.

Current Village Policies

The safety and well-being of all residents, workers, and visitors remain our highest priorities. The Village of Wilmette Police Department upholds the Illinois TRUST Act and does not participate in immigration enforcement activities or investigations. The TRUST Act also prohibits the Wilmette Police Department from detaining individuals based solely on citizenship or immigration status, except under a valid criminal warrant. Additionally, by law, officers may not obstruct federal law enforcement agents in the performance of their duties.

We want people who live, work, and visit Wilmette to understand that they should not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if they need police assistance regardless of immigration status. When 9-1-1 is called and our officers respond, we do not ask about the immigration status of individuals, we do not detain anyone based solely on their immigration status, and we do not provide any other assistance to immigration agents related to immigration investigations. If you or someone you know needs police assistance, please call 9-1-1.

Village Board to Review Additional Policy Options

At the October 28 Village Board meeting, a number of Wilmette residents expressed their concern for the immigrant community; the Village Board heard and shared in these concerns. Accordingly, the Board directed Village Staff to prepare communications to educate all members of our community, including visitors and workers, to promote resources to support the immigrant community, and to prepare for a policy discussion to determine appropriate steps the Village may be able to take to help keep community members safe.

The Village Board will consider these policy options at its Wednesday, November 12 Village Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (second floor, 1200 Wilmette Avenue).

Know Your Rights and Where to Find Help

All individuals—regardless of immigration status—have legal rights. While the Village does not endorse any of the organizations or providers listed below, to help connect residents and other community members with reliable assistance, this page contains a compiled a list of local and regional resources for individuals and families to utilize.

Online Resources

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, 847-737-4042
Illinois Immigration Information Hub
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), 312-332-7360
Resurrection Project – Immigration Legal Services, 312-666-1323
National Immigrant Justice Center
Illinois Accountability Commission

Printable Resources

Know Your Rights Cards (ICIRR)

Emergency Resources

Immigration Emergency – Call Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)

What Can You Do?

The Village is not notified when or where immigration enforcement is happening. If you see something suspicious or unsafe, please contact the Wilmette Police Department so our officers can ensure the safety of everyone involved. Our Police Department has and will continue to serve our community with compassion, empathy, acceptance, and understanding.

Community members concerned about the legitimacy of any observed law enforcement activity are encouraged to contact the Wilmette Police Department by dialing 9-1-1. When reporting, please share as many details as possible, including the location, what was observed, and any descriptions of people or vehicles involved. This vigilance and partnership play an important role in maintaining a safe and welcoming community for all.

Events

Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual) - Wilmette Public Library

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register