Evanston adds protections for undocumented immigrants in 'Welcoming City' law

The Evanston City Council added protections to its ordinance limiting police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Welcoming City Ordinance

What we know:

The council approved updates to its so-called Welcoming City Ordinance on Monday which officials said in a statement will "reinforce [the city’s] dedication and ensure protections are in place for all who live, work and thrive in Evanston." 

The city said such changes are meant to uphold its "value of community trust and safety."

Such efforts have arisen in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's reelection last year after promising mass deportations of undocumented immigrants across the country.

There have been similar discussion in Chicago where a debate has been brewing over potential changes to the "Welcoming City Ordinance" there. Some aldermen have argued for allowing more cooperation between Chicago police and federal immigration enforcement.

What did the council change?

Dig deeper:

The updates included:

  • Data protection: The ordinance now prohibits the sharing of city databases or information with federal immigration agencies or with third parties unless they certify against its use for civil immigration enforcement.
  • Expanded safeguards: The council clarified that city officials will not participate in civil immigration enforcement by any agency or personnel, including private contractors. The city will continue to comply with a valid criminal warrant.
  • Closing loopholes: The council also eliminated exceptions that previously allowed limited city involvement in immigration enforcement under certain conditions.
  • Support for immigrants: The city also codified policies to help victims of crimes in obtaining specific visas and providing information on immigration resources through public services like 311.
  • Safe public buildings: The city is also now tasked with developing policies for its public facilities that prioritize "limiting immigration enforcement operations on their premises to the fullest extent allowed by law."
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