Lake County Gazette

Mayor Ann B. Taylor reminded residents that the City of Waukegan does not collaborate with federal immigration enforcement and follows the Illinois Trust Act. Taylor made her remarks at the February 3 City Council meeting.

"Fox News in New York did a story saying that we were harboring immigrants here," Taylor said, according to the meeting video. "And from across the country both Chief [Edgar] Navarro and I have received threats including death threats about it. I'm just going to say this is our policy we will stay with our policy."

According to the meeting video, Taylor said she wanted to address immigration because numerous rumors were circulating. She explained that Waukegan adheres to the provisions shared on Facebook, following the Illinois Trust Act, which stipulates that local municipalities do not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. They are separate from federal immigration enforcement, and the act prohibits local police from engaging in federal immigration issues. Taylor emphasized that it safeguards the rights and privacy of residents.

The meeting video also revealed that city officials learned after the fact about a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation in west Waukegan, which Taylor described as an ICE operation. She clarified that the city does not share information with ICE and is unaware of their operations.