City officials have issued a warning to residents saying that there are confirmed ongoing operations involving ICE agents arresting people in Waukegan.
The City of Waukegan said Monday that it has confirmed reports of “ongoing operations” by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the city.
“You are encouraged to know your rights and be aware of misinformation. Inform yourself through trusted sources,” the city’s statement said.
The city said officers with the Waukegan Police Department do not conceal their identity and will continue to be clearly identifiable while on duty by wearing official uniforms with badges.
ICE agents throughout the country have been criticized for being seen wearing face coverings, not being clearly identifiable during arrests and using unmarked vehicles.
The Waukegan Police Department will not participate in federal immigration enforcement, the city said.
The Illinois TRUST Act prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from assisting the federal government with civil immigration enforcement.
The city referred residents to a website called Illinois Immigration Information for information about their rights and legal assistance.
The site urges people, even those who are in the country illegally, to remain calm when agents approach and reminds them they have the right to remain silent, the right to speak with an attorney and the right to deny agents entry without a valid warrant.
Earlier this month, approximately 200-300 ICE agents were deployed to the Chicago area as part of a surge operation by President Donald Trump.
The agents are operating out of Naval Station Great Lakes, which borders North Chicago and Lake Bluff.
Logistics and command were set up at the naval base to support the contingent of ICE agents in the field, North Chicago Chief of Staff Gregory Jackson said.
Jackson said the agents are not living at the naval base and are likely staying at hotels in surrounding suburbs, such as Waukegan and Gurnee.