Village of Forest Park Statement on Recent Federal Immigration Activity – PDF

The Village of Forest Park is aware of recent immigration enforcement actions being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies in surrounding communities. These operations are being carried out without prior notice or communication to the Village. At this time, Village officials are not aware of any Forest Park residents having been detained.

We want to reassure our community that under the Illinois TRUST Act, Forest Park Police are prohibited from participating in or assisting with federal immigration enforcement. All of our officers are trained in the requirements of the TRUST Act, which clearly states that while local police enforce state laws and local ordinances, they do not engage in immigration enforcement. This distinction is important: our officers are here to protect and serve the community, not to enforce federal immigration laws.

If you call 911, Forest Park Police will respond independently—without ICE involvement. Officers will not ask about immigration status, and no one will be detained solely based on that status. The Department does not assist in immigration investigations.

For residents seeking support or legal guidance, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) offers a free hotline at 855-435-7693, connecting callers with immigration attorneys and resources on how to handle interactions with federal officers.

The Village continues to collaborate with neighboring communities and local leaders to ensure our approach reflects regional best practices. We are committed to transparency, community engagement, and peaceful expression. If residents choose to demonstrate, we encourage respectful and peaceful participation. The National Lawyers Guild of Chicago provides helpful guidance for those taking part in protests.

For more information on the Illinois TRUST Act and how it guides local law enforcement, please refer to the Illinois Attorney General’s official guidance.

The Village of Forest Park remains committed to keeping our community informed. Verified updates will be shared in our weekly E-newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do so here.