Federal immigration agents reportedly broke a car window and dragged a man out to arrest him in the parking lot of the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock Wednesday.
The incident happened around 10 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue in Woodstock.
Sue Rose of Indivisible McHenry County told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents broke the window of a man’s vehicle and dragged him out to arrest him.
Broken glass was seen on the ground in the parking lot following the incident.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said they received an inquiry around 1 p.m. about the suspected ICE activity and they were then able to confirm there was “outside law enforcement activity” in the parking lot of the courthouse.
The sheriff’s office said they were not involved, were not informed of the activity in advance and do not have further information on the situation.
“Under the Illinois Trust Act, all Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from assisting, supporting, or participating in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws,” the office said.
The City of Woodstock and the Woodstock Police Department issued a joint statement following the incident, also referencing the Illinois TRUST Act.
“The Woodstock Police Department does not detain individuals based solely on immigration status. Officers are, however, authorized to enforce state and local laws equally, regardless of a person’s immigration status,” the statement said.
“If residents have concerns about ICE activity, it’s important to understand that local police cannot intervene or participate in those actions,” Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said.
“Anyone who believes they or a loved one has been unlawfully detained or treated by ICE should contact a qualified immigration attorney,” Lieb said.
Lieb added that the Woodstock Police Department follows “all applicable laws and operates under key state legislation designed to protect residents’ rights.”
“WPD follows all laws, and as it pertains to this issue, we operate within the Way Forward Act, TRUST Act, and VOICES Act,” the police chief said.
Lieb said he encourages residents to be cautious when seeking legal assistance.
“Unfortunately, there are individuals who misrepresent themselves as immigration experts and may take advantage of people’s fears. Please take the time to confirm that any attorney or legal service is legitimate,” he said.
The City of Woodstock said it has not been involved in any ICE activity and has not received any information or communication from state or federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement actions in the area.