ICE agents briefly entered the public lobby of the facility to allow a person in their custody to use the restroom. At no time did ICE personnel enter any restricted areas of the building, nor did Wheeling Police Department staff participate in or assist with any ICE operations. This incident involved only the use of a public restroom facility = no coordination, collaboration, or law enforcement activity occurred between ICE and the Wheeling Police Department.

Our Commitment to the Illinois TRUST Act

The Wheeling Police Department strictly complies with all provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805), which prohibits Illinois law enforcement agencies from engaging in federal civil immigration enforcement. This law protects all Illinois residents and ensures that local police departments focus on local and state public safety priorities. In accordance with this law, members of the Wheeling Police Department do not engage in assistance with federal civil immigration enforcement and therefore:

• Do not transfer any person into the custody of immigration agents ;
• Do not grant immigration agents access, either in person or by telephone, to individuals in our custody;
• Do not permit immigration agents to use our facilities, equipment, or databases(other than those available to the public) for investigative or enforcement purposes; and 
• Do not provide collateral assistance to federal immigration agents, including but not limited to coordinating arrests, transporting individuals, or providing on-site support.

Additional information about the Illinois TRUST Act is available on Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s website, or you may review the full text of the Act on the Illinois General Assembly website.

Serving the Village of Wheeling Community

The mission of the Wheeling Police Department is to provide professional and impartial police services to all members of our community. Our officers enforce Illinois state laws and local ordinances. We do not inquire about immigration or citizenship status during interactions with community members or visitors, and these factors have no impact on our decision to provide services or enforce the law. While the Village of Wheeling has and will continue to comply with the Trust Act, the Wheeling Police Department cannot interfere with federal agencies in carrying out their duties or interfere with the execution of lawful judicial warrants or the enforcement of criminal law.

Residents, business owners, and visitors can and should request assistance from the Wheeling Police Department without fear or concern related to immigration status. We remain committed to serving our community with professionalism, fairness, and strict adherence to all applicable laws, policies, and procedures. The safety and well-being of all Wheeling residents is our priority.

For questions or concerns, please contact: Chief Bill Murphy or Deputy Chief Joe Kopecky at 847-459-2618.