AURORA, Ill. (WGN) – The city of Aurora took steps Tuesday evening to curb where federal agents can carry out immigration enforcement, although the ordinance itself did not pass.
“Without question, everyone is frustrated at the municipal level, trying to protect their communities against a federal rampage,” Aurora Mayor John Laesch said.
Just like we’ve seen in many other areas, immigration agents have been very active, yanking people off the street and out of cars on an almost daily basis, according to city officials.
In some cases, vehicles operated by federal agents did not have license plates, while other vehicles had the plates completely covered.
“They are convening on city property. They’ve been at the police station, at Phillips Park,” Laesch said. “It’s incredibly concerning for parents, especially when they show up on school property.”
The proposed ordinance would prohibit the use of any city-owned and controlled property, such as parking lots, parks or buildings from being used as a staging area or base for any immigration-related activities.
Such ordinances have been enacted in other areas, including Chicago, and in some cases, routinely disregarded.
WGN-TV asked Laesch what can be done if the ordinance is enacted, but not adhered to.
He said they will be operating in conjunction with the recently established Illinois Accountability Commission to create public record of what these agents are doing, and potentially pursue legal action.
“It would allow someone from my office to basically approach an ICE agent on city property, ask if they have a warrant, present them a copy of the ordinance and ask them to leave, unless they have a warrant,” Laesch said. “And if not, video record it, get the evidence, submit it to the commission and continue to work with them.”
Laesch added the East Aurora School District has already adopted a similar ordinance to keep those agents off school property.
“My hope is we can continue to support the people of Aurora to protect them keep them safe from his federal government who seem to be overreaching,” Laesch said.
The mayor also said there are some other things they can try down the line, like ticketing the vehicles the agents are in, not necessarily the person driving, but tracing the owners and having them pay the price.
That isn’t included in the ordinance, but it is something city officials may consider going forward.
Although the ordinance did not pass at Tuesday night’s meeting, it will head back to the Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee and will be presented again at the next city council meeting.
Brónagh Tumulty
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