Immigration Resources

As verified reports of immigration enforcement activity increase in our neighboring communities and in Northbrook, both unincorporated areas and in our corporate limits, the Village is sharing information on resources for those impacted by this activity. While Northbrook remains focused on the delivery of our core local government services, the following information remains at the forefront of our local government organization.

NORTHBROOK WELCOMES YOU AND VALUES YOU

Over the past several months, many of our Northbrook neighbors have felt deep stress, concern, and frustration as decisions made at the federal level ripple through communities here in Illinois and across the country. As your Village Board and staff, we share these concerns—from fears about the safety and stability of our immigrant neighbors to the financial uncertainty facing families affected by the federal government shutdown.
 
Northbrook, like every community, is not immune to national events—but we can control how we respond. Together, we can continue to demonstrate compassion, support, and a steadfast commitment to one another.

Our strength as a community lies in our empathy, our unity, and our shared determination to ensure Northbrook remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

PRINTABLE RESOURCES

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights – Printable Know Your Rights Card
National Immigration Law Center – Printable Know Your Rights Card

COMMUNITY RIGHTS AND COMMITMENTS

Northbrook is a welcoming and inclusive community. Every person who lives, works, studies, or visits here deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.

The Village of Northbrook commits to helping promote the core American value that no one should be targeted because of their race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, language, mental and/or physical impairment and/or disability, military status, economic class, immigration status, or any of the other characteristics that are often used to divide people.  

In Northbrook:

  • Emergency Help Is for Everyone.
    Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics in Northbrook will never ask about your immigration status when you call 911 or request help. Your safety always comes first.
  • You Have the Right to Access Village Services
     You can use Village services, programs, and benefits regardless of your immigration status.
  • Your Privacy Is Protected
     We will never create or keep lists of people based upon ancestry, national origin, or religion.
  • Your Immigration Status is Private
     We will not ask about or investigate your immigration status unless specifically required by law or a court order.
  • Northbrook does not participate in Federal Immigration Activities
     We do not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities, except when required by law.  
  • Northbrook Prohibits Use of Village-Owned Property for Unauthorized Purposes
     No one is authorized to use Village facilities or parking lots for purposes other than their intended use nor impede the ability of the Village to conduct its operations on its property without prior approval.
  • You Belong Here 
    Northbrook’s strength comes from its diversity. Our community stands together — as neighbors, business owners, students, and families — to support one another and ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.

IMMIGRATION RESOURCES

Northbrook recognizes that navigating immigration issues can be complex. 

While the Village does not explicitly endorse any organization or service provider, we want to help connect those who live, work, visit, or own a business in Northbrook with reliable information and assistance. The resources listed below are from federal and state government, as well as local and regional organizations that offer relevant guidance, education, and, in some cases, information about services to support our immigrant community. This information is provided on the Village website as general information and the Village does not control nor guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of external links.   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I do if I am stopped by the police, ICE, or CBP in public or on the street?

  • You have the right to remain silent, and you are not required to answer any questions. You may tell the police officer or immigration agent that you choose to remain silent.
  • If you have any valid immigration documentation, such as a permanent resident card, an employment authorization card, or a certificate of naturalization, you may show your documentation to an immigration agent if the agent asks to see them.
  • The officer or agent may pat you down if they believe you are carrying a weapon.

Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

Can ICE enter Places of Worship?

Officers and agents must adhere to the 2021 Mayorkas memorandum when conducting immigration enforcement actions, without an administrative or judicial warrant, in or near any place of worship on the enclosed list. The 2021 Mayorkas memorandum requires that:

  • To the fullest extent possible, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations’ (ERO) shall not undertake immigration enforcement actions at places of worship.
  • ERO shall only conduct enforcement actions in circumstances identical to or comparable to the enumerated “limited circumstances” listed in the memorandum.
  • Absent exigent circumstances, an agent or officer must seek prior approval from ERO Headquarters (HQ), or as otherwise delegated, before taking an enforcement action in or near a place of worship.
  • If the enforcement action is taken due to exigent circumstances and prior approval was therefore not obtained, ERO HQ (or delegate) should be consulted post-action.
  • To the fullest extent possible, any enforcement action in or near a place of worship shall be taken in a non-public area, outside of public view, and otherwise conducted to eliminate or at least minimize the chance that the enforcement action will restrain people from accessing the place of worship.
    Source - https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero/protected-areas

What do I do if the police or ICE comes to my residence?

  • You do not have to open the door if police officers or immigration agents come to your home and do not have a warrant.
  • If you are unsure if the officer is an immigration agent, you may ask what agency they represent and specifically if they are immigration agents or from ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • You may ask the officers or agents why they are there.
  • You may ask for an interpreter if they do not speak your language.
  • If the officers or agents say they have a warrant, you may ask to see it before letting them inside.
  • If the warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge, the officers may enter your home. If the document is not signed by a judge, you are not required to let them inside. You may say: “You are not allowed to enter.”
  • If the officers or agents force their way into your home, do not resist. You may tell them: "You are not allowed to enter. I do not consent to a search. I wish to remain silent. I wish to speak with an attorney as soon as possible."
    Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
     

What documentation should I carry with me?

  • Carry valid identification with you at all times. If you have immigration documentation, carry your valid immigration papers and work permit with you at all times.
  • Memorize your A number.
  • Do not carry false or fraudulent documents and never provide false or fraudulent documents to a police officer or immigration agent.
  • If you have an encounter with police officers or immigration agents, write down as much information about the encounter as possible in case you feel your rights have been violated and you choose to file a complaint.
    Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
     

What do I do if I get arrested?

  • Do not attempt to resist arrest.
  • You have the right to request to speak with an attorney.
  • You have the right to request an interpreter.
  • Remember, you do not have to say anything or answer any questions before speaking with an attorney.
  • You have the right to consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions about your case or signing any documents. No one can force you to make a final decision or sign a document if you do not fully understand it.
    Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
     

How do I get legal representation?

  • If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer and should ask for one immediately.
  • If arrested, you have the right to a private phone call within a reasonable time of your arrest, and police may not listen to the call if it is made to a lawyer.
  • If you are detained by ICE or Border Patrol, you have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
  • If you are detained, you have the right to call a lawyer or your family, and you have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention. You have the right to have your attorney with you at any hearing before an immigration judge.
    Source - https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

How do I report a concern about federal immigration activity? 

Concerns about the conduct of federal agents during immigration enforcement actions in Illinois can be reported to the Illinois Accountability Commission, housed within the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). Established on October 23, 2025, by Executive Order 2025-06, the Commission was created to document and review federal immigration activity, such as “Operation Midway Blitz,” conducted in the Chicagoland area. The Commission’s purpose is to create a public record of such conduct, assess its impact on individuals and communities, and develop policy recommendations to prevent future harm in Illinois. For more information or to submit a concern, please visit the Commission’s website at https://ilac.illinois.gov/about-ilac.html. The website is continually being updated as the Commission’s work progresses.