Editor’s note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct spelling of Betty Alzamora’s name.
Two individuals were allegedly picked up from River Forest by federal agents believed to be employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) around 2:30 p.m. Sept. 11 near North Avenue and Harlem Avenue.
In an email to Wednesday Journal on Sept. 16, a spokesperson for ICE denied that the agency had been present in River Forest last week. Tanya J. Roman, acting communications director for ICE, said in an email, “ICE made NO arrests in or near River Forest.”
Matt Walsh, River Forest village administrator, said in a statement to Wednesday Journal on Sunday that the village was notified of the incident Thursday evening by River Forest residents. Prior to being notified, Walsh said the village was not informed by ICE about their enforcement efforts and that the village did not participate in or assist with any of these efforts.
Walsh also said the incident appears to be specific to the individuals impacted and the village is not aware of any additional planned immigration enforcement activity.
Erika Bachner, a River Forest village trustee, said the incident was “alarming in its speed and secrecy” and “a stark reminder that our community is not in a bubble.”
“Our village cannot and will not be complicit,” Bachner said. “We remain vigilant, prepared and united in protecting the dignity, safety and humanity of every person who visits, works and calls River Forest home.”
Betty Alzamora, a Forest Parker and the team lead for the PASO Westside Rapid Response Team, “These are really terrible, terrifying times for our community members. We understand that, and it’s so important for us to remain very, very aware and conscious of our neighbors.”
Almazora said that awareness includes reporting detailed information about interactions with federal agents to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights so that its team can provide family members of impacted individuals with information about their rights.
This alleged incident comes amid increased federal immigration enforcement efforts after the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Midway Blitz to target immigrants in Chicago and Illinois Sept 8.
Dan Haley contributed to this story.
