Amid growing concern about recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Lake Bluff officials are weighing possible steps to formally object to the agency’s practices.
The Trump administration in September launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” an initiative it said was aimed at detaining “criminal illegal aliens.” The effort has prompted anxiety in several Chicago-area communities, including Lake Bluff.
During his report at the Oct. 27 Village Board meeting, Village President Regis Charlot said the village had received multiple letters and phone calls from residents about the impact of ICE raids in the greater Chicago region.
“This is a very sad conversation,” Charlot said.
Charlot’s comments came before reports surfaced of Border Patrol agents appearing in Evanston and other nearby communities, encounters that in some cases led to confrontations with residents.
Trustee Shana Fried said she has heard from residents with family members who were detained in the area.
“It is an issue that is already affecting our community and is having real practical and financial consequences,” Fried said.
After the meeting, Police Chief Matt Smizinski said he was not aware of any ICE-related activity within Lake Bluff. Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said he likewise had no reports of incidents in Knollwood, the unincorporated area north of the village.
Still, Charlot said the board may consider a response. One option, he noted, would be for him to sign an executive order — similar to measures enacted by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham — prohibiting federal immigration agents from using village-owned property to stage operations. Another possibility would be for the Village Board to adopt an ordinance establishing similar restrictions.
“Our action would be symbolic,” Charlot cautioned. “We cannot prevent ICE from being in the village, nor can we prevent people from being detained.”
Village Attorney Peter Friedman said more than 10 local governments in the Chicago area have adopted ICE-related resolutions or ordinances. Village Administrator Drew Irvin indicated the issue could be discussed further at a workshop session during the board’s Nov. 10 meeting.
Concerns about possible immigration enforcement actions have also reached local schools.
Lake Bluff District 65 Superintendent Lisa Leali said some families have expressed fear and uncertainty.
“Families have reached out to teachers expressing concern about their safety and the safety of students, and also needs for support,” Leali said.
Lake Forest Schools spokeswoman Melissa Oakley said she is not aware of any ICE agents coming to either the local elementary schools or Lake Forest High School.
“Our districts comply with all federal and state laws as well as established protocols governing visitor access to school facilities and student records,” Oakley noted. “If a concern were brought to our attention, our administrative team would follow our established safety and communication protocols, which include monitoring the situation, speaking with local authorities when appropriate, and ensuring our campuses remain safe and welcoming environments.”
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
