Lake County Gazette

Mayor Nancy Rotering addressed Highland Park residents at a special City Council meeting on October 30, responding to recent federal actions that have affected communities in Illinois and across the country. The mayor acknowledged the stress, fear, and concern experienced by many neighbors, particularly due to increased federal immigration enforcement and the ongoing government shutdown.

"In the City of Chicago and throughout the Chicagoland region, communities have experienced an unprecedented level of federal immigration enforcement activity that has disrupted daily life. At the same time, many residents are feeling the financial strain of the government shutdown, worried about paychecks, benefits, and how to make ends meet. While we are not aware of any confirmed immigration enforcement activity in Highland Park, we know this is a time of uncertainty and fear for many law-abiding immigrants and Americans alike, including right here in our hometown," Rotering said.

The mayor emphasized Highland Park's history as an inclusive community since its founding in 1869. She noted that immigrants from various backgrounds have contributed to the city's growth and diversity over generations. "At the core of our values statement is the commitment to honoring and affirming the intrinsic worth of everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits our town," she stated.

Rotering called for action beyond words: "It is so important for each of us to live out our values: to speak out against injustice and to stand beside those who are vulnerable. True allyship means listening before acting, understanding before deciding, and supporting others based on their needs, not our assumptions."

She reassured residents that all people in Highland Park should feel safe and welcome. The city follows state laws such as the Illinois TRUST Act regarding cooperation with federal agencies on immigration matters. The mayor explained that while local law enforcement cannot assist with federal immigration enforcement under state law, they cannot restrict or prohibit these activities outright due to legal limitations.

"Our priority is to ensure that our residents have accurate information about their rights and access to trusted community resources," Rotering said.

The mayor also highlighted available support services for those affected by recent events. Residents can access food pantries through Moraine Township and West Deerfield Township if they are experiencing hardship due to programs like SNAP or disruptions from the government shutdown. Financial assistance is available through 211 Lake County and township offices. For legal support related to immigration issues or other concerns such as domestic violence or housing, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic offers free services (https://nslegalaid.org/). Mental health support can be accessed via Josselyn or by calling 211.

"If you are an immigrant or an ally, know that Highland Park’s first responders will never ask for your immigration status when you call 911," Rotering added.

Residents were encouraged to stay informed about their rights—especially immigrants—and use reliable resources such as cityhpil.com/know-your-rights for guidance (https://www.cityhpil.com/know-your-rights).

The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic advises immigrants—regardless of their status—to remember key protections: they have a right to remain silent when approached by officials; a right to consult with an attorney before answering questions or signing documents; and protection against unlawful searches without a valid warrant signed by a judge.

Organizations partnering with Highland Park provide critical services: North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic delivers free legal aid in areas including domestic violence and housing; Moraine Township and West Deerfield Township offer emergency financial help; United Way’s 211 Lake County program connects people with essential resources around-the-clock (https://211lakecounty.org/); Volunteer Pool of Highland Park facilitates volunteer opportunities; while Highland Park Community Foundation supports social service agencies in both Highland Park and Highwood.

Mayor Rotering concluded her remarks stating: "I cannot emphasize this enough: you are not alone; Highland Park stands together."

Information about these resources is available on the City’s website (https://www.cityhpil.com/).