Village President Kathryn Ciesla delivered the following statement on behalf of the Village Board at the November 11, 2025 regular meeting of Northbrook Village Board of Trustees.

On behalf of the Village Board and Village Manager, I want to express our deep concern regarding reports of recent immigration enforcement activity in our region, including in and around Northbrook, both in incorporated and unincorporated areas. These actions create fear and uncertainty among our residents and businesses and undermine the trust that is essential between our community and some of those who serve it.

All members of this Board and all Village Officers, including the Village Manager, Village Attorney, and all members of the police and fire departments, have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. That oath is not symbolic—it is a solemn and sworn commitment to uphold the rights and liberties guaranteed to every person under our nation’s founding document. The Constitution promises freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, due process of law, equal protection, and the right to live without unreasonable searches or seizures. These are not privileges reserved for a few; they are fundamental rights that extend to all people within our borders.

Without question or doubt, know that Northbrook stands firmly for fairness, dignity, and respect for all people. We condemn any actions that intimidate, target, or divide members of our community based on their immigration status or background. Our role as a local government is to ensure that every person who lives, works, studies, or visits here feels safe and valued.

The Village of Northbrook follows state law, including the Illinois TRUST Act, which since 2017 has guided how local governments interact with federal agencies and helps ensure that residents can seek help from local authorities without fear.

The division of power and responsibility between federal and local governments is clearly defined, and the law limits how local governments can interact with federal enforcement activities. While the Illinois TRUST Act prohibits local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration enforcement activity, no state or federal law gives local governments the right to restrict or prohibit this federal activity at the local level, much to our frustration.

Rest Assured, our Police Department’s focus remains on public safety and community well-being—not on immigration status. We will continue to provide emergency and municipal services to everyone without discrimination. 

In furtherance of our commitments, I expect that the Village Board will pass agenda item 8H in just a few short moments. This ordinance will strengthen our Village code to maintain our practice which prohibits the use of Village-owned property for unauthorized purposes and without prior approval.  This not only assures that Village operations are not impeded, but we believe that it is in keeping with Northbrook’s compliance with the TRUST Act, specifically, unless there is a judicial warrant, we do not assist with federal immigration enforcement. 

Finally, we urge our residents to extend compassion and support to one another during this difficult time. Northbrook’s strength lies in our unity, our empathy, and our shared belief that everyone deserves to be treated with humanity and respect. Together, we will continue to uphold our values and ensure that Northbrook remains a safe and welcoming community for all.

For more information, including third party resources, please visit the Immigration Enforcement page on the village’s website. 

I want to say thank you to our Village staff for their integrity, collaboration, and commitment to Northbrook.     Your public service makes all the difference in our community.