As a village trustee in River Forest, I am deeply disturbed by three recent incidents related to ICE activity in our area this week. On Thursday, Sept. 11, two of our River Forest community members were abducted and deported within 24 hours. The abrupt and concealed way this unfolded is profoundly troubling. It is also a clear reminder that River Forest is not immune from these actions. ICE, and other federal agencies working on their behalf, are active here, and we cannot ignore that reality.
River Forest has a Welcoming Village Resolution that makes clear our position: no village employee, official, or department may use our resources to enforce federal immigration laws or inquire into immigration status. Our policy affirms that all people, regardless of status, are welcome and safe here, and that the village will not participate in programs deputizing local agencies to act as ICE agents. These principles guide us today. River Forest does not and will not stand with ICE.
Immigrant families and individuals are not outsiders. They are our neighbors, classmates, faith community members, people whose work contributes to the life and well-being of our village, and support local businesses. They are an essential part of the fabric of River Forest, contributing to the vibrancy and strength of our community. When ICE, or other agencies on their behalf, act here, they target our community members, and we must stand together to ensure everyone feels safe and protected.
Residents also need to know what to do if they need assistance or see or suspect activity by ICE or agencies acting on their behalf.
First, save the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline number (855-435-7693) and share it widely. Call this number to report ICE activity, get legal and social service referrals, and obtain deportation legal support.
Second, if you witness ICE activity, write down the important details: how many agents and vehicles are present, what actions they are taking, the exact location, what clothing or agency uniforms they are wearing, the time and date, and any equipment or weapons you see. Sharing clear, specific information like this helps community organizations respond quickly and accurately.
As well, I encourage residents to join ICIRR’s Illinois Eyes on ICE Text Network at ICIRR.org. This is ICIRR’s verified text alert system for ICE activity. Network participants will receive real-time, verified reports of ICE operations in their area so they can stay informed and prepared.
The day after two River Forest community members were abducted in River Forest, two additional horrifying ICE-related incidents occurred. In Franklin Park, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, a 38-year-old father from Michoacán, was shot and killed during an attempted arrest by ICE agents. DHS initially claimed he resisted arrest and drove toward officers, dragging one with his vehicle. However, video and eyewitness accounts raise serious doubts about that narrative, suggesting he was backing away. Mr. Villegas-Gonzalez had just completed a school drop-off, and his record shows traffic violations rather than violent offenses.
A separate tragic event unfolded on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Broadview ICE facility during a sustained 12-hour protest. From morning until evening, community members, faith leaders, and activists gathered to oppose these enforcement actions. Demonstrators tried to block transport vans, prayed and chalked messages such as “America was built by immigrants” and “Love thy neighbor,” and chanted in solidarity. ICE agents emerged from the gates to push protesters back, fired pepper balls into the crowd, and issued dispersal orders over loudspeakers while threatening the use of “less-lethal” weapons. One protester, Kat Abughazaleh, reported being thrown to the ground and injured. These were not minor scuffles; they were moments of violence that should never occur when people are exercising their First Amendment rights.
The actions we saw in Broadview and Franklin Park demand full, independent investigations. They are not acceptable in a democracy. My deepest sympathy goes to Mr. Villegas-Gonzalez’s family, the protesters who were harmed, and all those carrying the grief and fear caused by these actions. They deserve truth, transparency, and justice. ICE must be held accountable for all these abuses of power.
River Forest must stand firm in its commitment to be a welcoming community. Our village cannot and will not be complicit. We must remain vigilant, prepared, and united in protecting the dignity, safety, and humanity of every person who visits, works, and calls River Forest home.
Erika Bachner is a River Forest village trustee.