Rockford, IL – The Rockford Police Department is addressing community concerns following reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago.
According to a statement posted Tuesday by Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, there is no confirmation that the federal operations will extend into Rockford or Winnebago County. The department emphasized that enforcement of civil immigration laws is handled solely by federal agencies, not local police, as outlined in the Illinois Trust Act.
Chief Redd stated that the department’s focus remains on public safety and community trust. “It’s important for our community to know that the enforcement of civil immigration laws is the responsibility of federal agencies, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as stated in the Illinois Trust Act,” Redd said in the statement. “Our duty is to protect and serve everyone in our community, regardless of immigration status.”
The Illinois Trust Act, signed into law in 2017, limits local and state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in most civil cases. The law is intended to ensure that immigrants can report crimes and interact with police without fear of deportation.
City officials noted that while residents may be concerned by Homeland Security’s recent confirmation of expanded operations in Chicago, no additional actions or directives involving Rockford have been issued.
The department encouraged community members to stay informed through official channels and assured residents that local policing priorities remain unchanged.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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