Statement on Recent Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity

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.

Police Press Release – CTA Blue Line Shooting 09/02/24

Press Release 09/02/24

September 2, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact: Forest Park Police Department

Contact Number: 708-366-2425

Four victims shot dead on a westbound CTA Blueline train to Forest Park, suspect in custody. 

On 09/02/2024 at 0527 hrs, Forest Park Police Department received a 911 call of three subjects shot on the train at the Forest Park CTA Blueline Station at 711 Desplaines Ave., Forest Park.  Police responded and cleared the station, locating four shooting victims.  Three were pronounced dead on scene, the fourth was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where they were later pronounced.  The offender was no longer on scene and made good on their escape. 

            Forest Park Police working with CTA Security were able to locate an offender description through video surveillance.  Chicago Police Department located a subject matching the description on a CTA Pink Line Train and the subject was taken into custody.  A firearm was recovered.   

            Forest Park Police Detectives along with the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force have taken over this investigation.  This appears to be an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the community. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Forest Park Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at:

 (708)366-2425 or email at Detectives@ForestPark.net.

Forest Park Police Press Release

Press Release – 2402246

PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2024
Contact: Chief Ken Gross
For Immediate Release
Phone: 708-615-6299
Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Arrest
Officers from the Forest Park Police Department were dispatched to the area of Jackson and Thomas, Forest Park, IL on July 10, 2024 at approximately 7:55pm for multiple reports of gunshots fired. Witnesses told responding officers that they heard approximately three gunshots and observed a maroon Chevrolet fleeing the area.
Forest Park Police Officers canvassed the area for security cameras and located several in the area with a number of cooperative residents sharing video footage with the police department. Street cameras and license plate readers (LPRs) were also viewed in an effort to identify the vehicle involved in this reckless shooting incident.
The Forest Park Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division diligently viewed video footage and learned that the suspect vehicle was registered to an address in Berwyn, IL.
At approximately 3:49pm on July 23, 2024, detectives and patrol officers pulled the suspect vehicle over in the area of Roosevelt Rd and Desplaines Ave. The driver, 34 year old Idaly Canizales of Berwyn, IL, was found to not have a valid Illinois driver’s license. Canizales, who does not have a Firearms Owner Identification Card (FOID) or Concealed Carry License (CCL), told officers that there was a firearm in the vehicle. A handgun was recovered and further interviewing Canizales she admitted to firing the recovered firearm in the July 10, 2024 incident on Jackson and Thomas informing officers that she shot the weapon at a vehicle that had an occupant who allegedly pointed a pistol at her in the Walmart parking lot located at 1300 Desplaines Ave, Forest Park, IL.
Idaly Canizales was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm Within 1000 Feet of a School, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and traffic offenses.
This arrest was the result of great teamwork between Forest Park Police Officers, Investigators and residents of the Village of Forest Park.

Forest Park Police Department – Press Release regarding 200 Desplaines

Press Release – Shots Fired 200 Desplaines