Immigration Enforcement Resolution

Information about the Village of Wheeling's resolution regarding the use of Village-owned property


OVERVIEW

RESOLUTION DOCUMENT

Resolution No. 25-161
Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Village Parking Lots, Vacant Lots, and Garages for Civil Immigration Enforcement Staging Areas, Processing Locations, or Operations Bases. Adopted: November 3, 2025 / Effective: November 3, 2025.

WHEREAS, the Village of Wheeling (“Village”), Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, is a home-rule unit of local government pursuant to Article 7, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, the President and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Wheeling are committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and human rights of all residents, regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or national origin; and WHEREAS the unauthorized use of the Village of Wheeling’s resources, property, or personnel to facilitate civil immigration enforcement actions interferes with the Village of Wheeling’s authority over, and its use of, its own resources, property, and personnel; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF WHEELING, COOK AND LAKE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS: 

Section 1. Prohibition on Use of Village-Owned Parking Lots, Vacant Lots, and Garages. No Village-owned and controlled parking lot, vacant lot, or garage shall be used as a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement. For purposes of this resolution, "staging area" means an area that is used to assemble, mobilize, and deploy vehicles, equipment, or materials, and related personnel, for the purpose of carrying out civil immigration enforcement operations. 

Section 2. Implementation and Enforcement. Village Departments shall collaborate to identify Village-owned and -controlled parking lots, vacant lots, or garages that either have been used, or are likely to be used in the future, as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement. Village Departments shall ensure that all such properties have clear signage stating: This property is owned and controlled by the Village of Wheeling. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement as a: Staging Area, Processing Location, or Operations Base. Village Departments shall further ensure that, wherever appropriate, physical barriers such as locked gates are used to limit access to Village-owned and -controlled parking lots, vacant lots, or garages consistent with this resolution. Within five (5) days of the execution of this resolution, Village Departments shall develop the procedures necessary to implement this resolution. These implementing procedures shall provide that any Village employee who becomes aware of the attempted or actual use of a Village-owned and -controlled parking lot, vacant lot, or garage as a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement shall immediately report to their supervisor, who will communicate with the Village Manager. 

Section 3. Scope. This resolution does not apply to property that is subject to an existing lease or concession agreement to which the Village is a party. This resolution is not intended to, and shall not be interpreted to, interfere with any such lease or agreement. Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as restricting or interfering with the execution of lawful judicial warrants or the enforcement of criminal law, nor as limiting the rights of any person or entity under state or federal law. This resolution does not prohibit the lawful use of Village-owned and -controlled property for purposes other than a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement, nor does it restrict any person or entity from carrying out functions unrelated to those purposes on such property. 

Section 4. Effective Date. This resolution will take effect upon its passage by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Wheeling. 
Adopted: November 3, 2025 / Effective: November 3, 2025.

Click here to download a copy of the resolution (English - PDF).
Descargar Resolución (Español - PDF)

LETTER FROM VILLAGE PRESIDENT
A Message to Wheeling Residents from Village President Patrick Horcher:

Dear Residents,

The Village of Wheeling is a welcoming community built on respect, inclusion, and trust. Our residents, many from different backgrounds and countries, make Wheeling the vibrant and caring place it is today.

To reaffirm those values, the Village Board recently approved a Resolution Prohibiting the Use of Village-Owned Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement. This action ensures that Village properties, including buildings, parking lots, vacant lots, and garages, are not used as staging areas or operations base for immigration enforcement activities.

The Village has developed a series of Frequently Asked Questions that provide more information about what the resolution does, how it will be implemented, and how residents can access social services resources they need. We encourage everyone to review this information to gain a deeper understanding of the Village’s ongoing commitment to transparency, safety, and community trust.

Wheeling remains a community where every resident should feel safe, welcome, and valued. For information regarding the resolution or Village services visit www.wheelingil.gov.

Thank you,
Patrick Horcher
Village President

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Understanding the Resolution. Find answers to common questions about what this resolution does, how it will be enforced, and what services remain available to all residents.

  • What This Resolution Does ?
    The resolution prohibits the use of Village-owned parking lots, vacant lots, and garages as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases for civil immigration enforcement activities. It ensures that Village property and resources are not used for civil federal immigration operations.

  • What This Resolution Does Not Do ?
    The resolution only addresses the use of Village-owned property. Federal immigration authorities retain their authority to conduct enforcement operations under federal law. This resolution does not prevent them from making arrests on publicly owned property or operating on private property, public streets, or other non-Village property.

  • Village Authority & Limitations. Why can't the Village do more to stop immigration enforcement?
    As a local municipality, the Village's authority is limited by state and federal law. We cannot:• Interfere with federal law enforcement operations
    • Obstruct the execution of lawful judicial warrants
    • Prevent federal agents from operating in the public areas of municipal-owned property, private property, or on public streets
    • Regulate how private property owners use their property beyond existing zoning and code requirements

  • Resident Rights & Services. Will this resolution affect my ability to access Village services?
    No. All Village services remain available to all residents regardless of immigration status. This has always been Village policy and will remain so.

  • Community Concerns. Why is the Village taking this action now?
    The Village is taking proactive steps to clarify our policies regarding the use of Village property and to reaffirm our commitment to serving all residents. This resolution ensures that Village resources remain dedicated to local priorities and community needs.

Click here to download a copy of the full FAQs document.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Support Services Available to All Residents. The Village of Wheeling Social Services Department provides resources and connections to support services for all community members.