Lake County Gazette

Several municipalities across Lake County have declined to respond to an inquiry by the Lake County Gazette regarding their policies on illegal immigration. The list of non-responsive municipalities includes Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest, McHenry, North Chicago, Park City, Waukegan, Zion, Antioch, Bannockburn, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Grayslake and many others.

Only six of Lake County municipalities noted their policies regarding illegal immigrants.

Both Mundelein and Round Lake have cited a lack of resources as a reason for not being able to accommodate migrants. 

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According to Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz, the village has passed an ordinance prohibiting unscheduled bus drop-offs and rejecting requests from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. 

"We passed an ordinance pertaining to this issue on January 8th," Lentz stated. 

He also added that the village has no plans to house migrants.

Mayor Linda Lucassen of Round Lake Park expressed similar concerns about her village's ability to handle the migrant situation. But unlike Mundelein, Round Lake Park "does not have an ordinance in place." Lucassen emphasized that they do not have any means to take care of migrants.

The Village of Gurnee Board took proactive measures by passing an ordinance regulating buses transporting migrants preemptively due to concerns over stranded passengers in surrounding towns. According to a post on the Village of Gurnee’s Facebook page attributed to Mayor Tom Hood: "So even if the ordinance is violated we still must address and assist the individuals dropped off in town."

Julie Goodman from the Village of Green Oaks’ Administrative Office addressed concerns over illegal immigration stating that their small community lacks policies or facilities to deal with migrant issues. 

“Without facilities to support persons who may show up, the Village has been in communications with the Lake County Sheriff’s office to notify the Sheriff if migrants present themselves as needing assistance,” Goodman said.

The Village of Riverwoods responded by enacting an ordinance aimed at regulating unannounced drop-offs of illegal immigrants, similar to measures taken in Chicago and neighboring municipalities. Chief of Police Bruce M. Dayno provided a copy of the press release outlining the procedure for unscheduled stops which requires drivers to file an application with the Police Chief at least five days before the proposed drop-off date. According to the press release, there are potential penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.

The Village of Deerfield also passed an ordinance prohibiting unannounced bus drop-offs, prioritizing the safety of migrants and residents. Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro emphasized redirection to the Intake Center in Chicago and pledged compassionate treatment.

The refusal to discuss policy by the majority of Lake County’s communities comes as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson requested help from suburban mayors with the city’s illegal immigrants crisis. Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso noted during an interview with NBC Chicago that Johnson specifically asked for support for needs in increased funding, shelter, services to the migrants, and demands from Washington.

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak revealed the offer of an $11 million state grant to facilitate the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting. State Rep. Terra Costa Howard informed the village about the grant's availability.