Immigration Resources & FAQs

Immigration Resources web imageThe Village of Palatine and the Palatine Police Department are aware of verified reports of immigration enforcement activity that have occurred in Palatine and surrounding communities. We understand that these events can cause fear, stress, and uncertainty among residents, families, and local businesses.

Palatine prides itself on being a diverse and welcoming community.  Every person who lives, works, owns a business, or visits here deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. The Mayor and Village Council share the concern, frustration, and uncertainty recent federal immigration activity is causing for many of our community members.

While immigration enforcement is conducted solely by federal authorities, the Village of Palatine remains focused on our core local government services, including public safety, community trust, and equitable access to resources. The information below is intended to connect residents with reliable legal, safety, and community support resources.

To read in Spanish, please click here. Haz clic aquí para español.


Police Department and TRUST Act

The safety and well-being of all residents, workers, and visitors remain our highest priorities. The Village is not notified when or where immigration enforcement is happening. The Village of Palatine Police Department upholds the Illinois TRUST Act and does not participate in immigration enforcement activities or investigations. The TRUST Act also prohibits the Palatine Police Department from detaining individuals based solely on citizenship or immigration status, except under a valid criminal warrant. Additionally, by law, officers may not obstruct federal law enforcement agents in the performance of their duties.  

We want people who live, work, and visit Palatine to understand that they should not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if they need police assistance regardless of immigration status. When 9-1-1 is called and our officers respond, we do not ask about the immigration status of individuals, we do not detain anyone based solely on their immigration status, and we do not provide any other assistance to immigration agents related to immigration investigations. If you or someone you know needs police assistance, please call 9-1-1. For more information on the TRUST Act, please refer to the linked document.

Non-Law Enforcement Village Personnel Guidance

Non-Law Enforcement Village staff follow internal guidance regarding interactions with ICE, referenced here.

Community Commitments

Every person who lives in, works in, or visits Palatine deserves to know that their rights are respected and that they feel safe and valued. In Palatine:

  • Emergency Help Is for Everyone - Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics in Palatine will never ask about your immigration status when you call 911 or request help. Your safety always comes first.
  • Your Privacy is Protected - The Village of Palatine does not create nor maintain lists based on ancestry, national origin, or religion.
  • Your Immigration Status is Private - We will not ask about or investigate your immigration status unless specifically required by law or a court order.
  • Palatine Police Department does not participate in Federal Immigration Activities - We do not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities, except when required by law.  

Secretary of State Plate Watch Hotline

With multiple reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents are swapping out or altering Illinois-issued license plates on vehicles to carry out their military-style deportation efforts, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office is asking for the public’s help in identifying these illegal actions. Their office has established the Secretary of State’s Plate Watch Hotline. This tool provides people with a way to report plate violations. To make a report, call the Secretary of State’s Plate Watch Hotline at (312) 814-1730 or email platewatch@ilsos.gov.

Screenshot of Secretary of State program information

Local Resources

Partners for our Communities (POC)

Partners for Our Communities (POC) is a trusted Palatine local resource for immigration support, legal assistance, and family services.  For more information about the POC or if you are in need of resources or assistance, please call 847-776-9500.POC lgoo

Palatine Location: 1585 N. Rand Road                       Hanover Park Location: 1515 E. Lake Street

Phone: 847-776-9500                                                    Website: poc.news                                                

Email: info@partnersforourcommunities.org

POC Immigration Guidance & Support

  1. If someone you know is detained or if you witness ICE activity: Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) hotline at 1-855-435-7693 immediately for legal assistance.
  2. Free Legal Support: POC’s in-house immigration attorney and two DOJ-accredited representatives can connect clients to free statewide legal aid.
  3. Legal Clinics & Navigation: Regular in-person and virtual clinics provide access to immigration attorneys at no cost.
  4. Know Your Rights Training: Access free resources and trainings in English and Spanish at illinoisimmigrationinfo.org.
  5. Short-Term Guardianship & Emergency Planning: Contact POC’s legal team for guidance on guardianship documents and family safety plans.
  6. Case Management: Call the POC front desk to schedule an appointment with a case manager or legal navigator (in person, phone, or virtual).

Immigration ResourcesIllinois Immigration InformationIllinois Attorney General

While the Village does not explicitly endorse any organization or service provider, we want to help connect those who live, work, visit, or own a business in Palatine with reliable information and assistance. The resources listed below are from federal and state government, as well as local and regional organizations that offer relevant guidance, education, and, in some cases, information about services to support the immigrant community. This information is provided on the Village website as general information and the Village does not control nor guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of external links.   

Printable Resources

Places of Worship

ICE Agents are directed under the 2021 Mayorkas Memorandum to avoid enforcement actions in or near places of worship, except in rare, exigent circumstances and with headquarters approval.

(Source: ICE Protected Areas Guidance)

Frequently Asked Questions

The content below is intended to be informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Advice on individual rights should be directed to the resourced provided on this page or one's own legal counsel.

How do I report a concern or file a complaint about federal immigration activity? 

Concerns about the conduct of federal agents during immigration enforcement actions in Illinois can be reported to the Illinois Accountability Commission, housed within the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). Established on October 23, 2025, by Executive Order 2025-06, the Commission was created to document and review federal immigration activity, such as “Operation Midway Blitz,” conducted in the Chicagoland area. The Commission’s purpose is to create a public record of such conduct, assess its impact on individuals and communities, and develop policy recommendations to prevent future harm in Illinois. For more information or to submit a concern, please visit the Commission’s website at https://ilac.illinois.gov/about-ilac.html. The website is continually being updated as the Commission’s work progresses.

(Source: IL Attorney General)

What do I do if I am stopped by the ICE or any other federal agency in public?

You have the right to remain silent.  You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status. You may tell the law enforcement officer that you choose to remain silent.  If you have valid immigration or citizenship documents (i.e. Certificate of Naturalization, Passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization card) you may show the information to the agent.

(Source: IL Attorney General)

What do I do if ICE or any other federal agency comes to my residence?

You do not have to open your door if agents come to your door and do not have a warrant. If they have a warrant you can see it before allowing access.  If the warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge, they may enter your home.  If the warrant is not signed by a judge, you may deny access.

If you are unsure if the person is a federal agent, you should ask what agency they are from.  You have a right to ask them why they are there and you may ask for an interpreter if they do not speak your language.

(Source: IL Attorney General)

What do I do if I get arrested?

Do not attempt to resist arrest.  You have a right to request to speak to an attorney and the right to request an interpreter. You do not have to answer questions before speaking with a lawyer.

(Source: IL Attorney General & ACLU)

What do I do if I believe my rights were violated?

Write down names, badge numbers, and details of the encounter. You may file a complaint with the Illinois Accountability Commission at https://ilac.illinois.gov/about-ilac.html, which documents and reviews federal immigration activity in Illinois.

(Source: IL Attorney General)

What documentation should I carry with me if I am concerned about being stopped?

Carry valid identification with you.  If you have immigration documents, carry them with you.  We recommend that individuals memorize their A-number/Alien Registration Number.

(Source: IL Attorney General)

What do I do if I see an ICE incident in progress as a bystander?

Do not interfere with the detainment. You may call 911 and report the incident.

With the increased federal enforcement activity in our area, why hasn’t the Village done anything to address this issue?

The Village of Palatine is not notified in advance of any federal immigration enforcement actions taking place within the community. The only time the Village becomes aware of such activity is if a 911 call is made reporting the presence of federal immigration officials. In those instances, Palatine Police personnel, including a supervisor, respond to ensure public safety.

The Village’s authority in these matters is limited by the Illinois TRUST Act, state statutes, and federal law. The Village cannot adopt or enforce any ordinance that would conflict with or violate these legal requirements.

What has the Village and Police Department done to build trust in the community?

The Village has been building trust for decades and maintaining a relationship with the entire Palatine community.  The Village Manager addressed this issue in his statement at the November 10, 2025 Village Council Meeting.  A link to that statement can be found here.

Is the Village working with state officials or other municipalities to address concerns?

Yes.  The Village Manager and Police Chief have met with several of our state elected officials to seek their assistance in clarification of aspects of the state laws regulating our involvement with federal immigration officials. We routinely communicate with local municipalities as to best practices and solutions that have worked elsewhere.

Why hasn’t Palatine adopted an ICE Free Zone Ordinance?

The ICE Free Zone is not an enforceable ordinance. Palatine does not want to provide a false sense of security for something that cannot legally be enforced. Federal jurisdiction allows ICE access to any public area where other members of the public may gather. They currently do not have access to any areas we would deem employee-only areas. We can't prevent them from using a municipal lot any more than we could prevent a visitor from using a public lot.  

Why doesn't Palatine communicate when ICE is in town?

Village staff are not informed when ICE is coming to or planned to be in town.  The TRUST Act has created a very clear separation of local law enforcement and the activities of ICE.  The Act prevents communication with the Village, thus we have no knowledge of their presence outside of personally witnessing them or a 911 call.     

Why didn't Palatine PD get involved in the ICE incident at Colfax and Shiller?

At this incident, when Palatine officers arrive on scene, ICE agents were in the process of enforcing Immigration laws.  We are not allowed to intervene in these situations unless we feel an severe injury could take place. 

Why hasn't Palatine adopted a Welcoming City Ordinance?

This ordinance is a recitation of aspects of state law. Restating it does not make people more safe, it simply adds redundancy to the framework of immigration enforcement. We are clarifying the rules and communicating it to all stakeholders.

If a child is being taken by ICE, why won't you step in?

Any involvement would be a violation of the TRUST Act and would violate Federal Laws by injecting ourselves into a Federal immigration enforcement effort. While this is not an outcome anyone thinks is acceptable, we cannot instruct our employees to break State and Federals laws while carrying out the duties of their job

If the Village can't protect the suspects being detained by ICE, than who protects their rights?

The Federal courts.  Any ICE action that is deemed inappropriate would be brought before a Federal Court for litigation.  We are not able to judge or critique the techniques deemed objectively acceptable during the enforcement of immigration laws.  That is for the courts.  The suspect has standing in those cases and it would be for them to pursue.  

Why can't you get the ICE officers names and badge information or check their warrants?

ICE is operating under Federal Authority and laws. The Village has sought clarification and will be asking for identification of the federal agency represented and other identifying information. Beyond that inquiry, asking for detainer information or other information is not permitted under the law.

Again, this is the way the TRUST Act and Federal Laws build the framework.

We want more action instead of more words.  What else will you do?

The Village is actively reviewing all legal options available to help improve the safety and well-being of every resident. We remain committed to finding lawful and effective ways to strengthen trust and community across Palatine. We understand the frustration and urgency surrounding this issue. However, our actions are limited by state and federal law, and we cannot take steps that would violate those laws. We will continue engaging in dialogue with state officials and other partners to explore potential solutions that support both safety and fairness in our community.

Where can we get more information about the rights for our undocumented Residents? 

There are a tremendous number of places to go for this information.  Links are provided at the top of this page to legal and other resources that specialize in this area.

Remember

  • Call 911 for any emergency – regardless of immigration status.
  • Do not sign any documents without speaking to an attorney.
  • Stay informed Carry valid ID and Know Your Rights cards from ICIRR or the National Immigration Law Center.
  • You belong here Palatine stands together as one community — united in respect, safety, and dignity for all.