Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb released a statement on Saturday, June 22, noting that the Oak Park Police Department “will not cooperate with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or assist them in any way.”
The letter comes in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement that ICE plans to conduct immigration raids across the country in the coming weeks.
“We are proud to be a welcoming city; we believe everyone should be treated equally and justly. We believe everyone should be treated with respect and dignity; we support the rights of all people including the rights of all immigrants and refugees,” Abu-Taleb said in the letter.
The letter included an “ICE Workplace Enforcement Guide” by the American Business Immigration Coalition with a checklist of information for employees and employers.
For employers, the checklist states:
- ICE does not have the right to entry without a signed judicial warrant.
- Do not hand over personal files immediately. You have the right to review them 72 hours beforehand.
- Provide trainings for staff on what to do during a raid. Contact ABIC to set up your training.
For employees:
- Remain silent and do not sign anything before speaking to a lawyer.
- Stay calm and don’t run out of the work place. You’re not required to disclose your citizenship status or national origin.
- Seek a trusted immigration attorney for legal counsel.
The letter also recommends contacting the National Immigration Justice Center for legal needs.
