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The new Trump administration and border czar Tom Homan have pledged to bring “the largest deportation operation in history” to Chicago. Responding to questions about where and how raids might occur, Kane County school districts and local law enforcement agencies are preparing by recognizing Illinois law generally dictates how they can respond.
Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain reaffirmed his commitment to the State of Illinois’ TRUST Act in an email from Undersheriff Amy Johnson on Jan. 16.
”In light of the inquiries we have received from our community regarding mass deportations and immigration, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the TRUST Act in Illinois," Hain said in the email. “This important piece of legislation prohibits local law enforcement from collaborating with (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).”
The TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, prohibits local law enforcement agencies from assisting with federal immigration enforcement operations. It also prohibits police from transferring a person into ICE custody without a criminal warrant.
“We recognize that this is a question we have addressed on multiple occasions,” Sheriff Ron Hain said in the email. “Our agency, together with others, has dedicated itself to fostering a relationship of trust within the community, and we will continue to uphold this principle.”
Kaneland School District 302 Superintendent Kurt Rohlwing said the district would cooperate with local law enforcement in a statement.
“Kaneland School District is dedicated to cooperating with law enforcement in Kane County during any community situation,” Rohlwing said. “Our priority remains the well-being of our students and support of the community, ensuring access to resources while fostering a safe and inclusive environment.”
St. Charles School District 303 Superintendent Paul Gordon issued a statement assuring district families that all students' rights to education will be protected.
“We are committed to providing safe and welcoming schools to all D303 students,” Gordon said. “All children in our country are entitled to equal access to a public education, and it is our responsibility to ensure we are providing that.”
Geneva Schoool District 304 Superintendent Andrew Barrett said he’s read about the potential of ICE operations in large cities across the country.
“However, we have not received any information about such action being planned for our community,” Barrett said. “Regardless, our priority is always keeping staff and students safe at school.”
Barrett said it is his understanding that ICE has a longstanding policy that prevents them from initiating operations in institutions like schools and hospitals “where safety and wellbeing are foundational principles ... (and) there are legal practices that would have to be done.”
“As educators, we are hopeful that those foundational principles will continue to be valued and respected,” Barrett said. “Alternatively, we are focusing on educating students while maintaining a safe environment and following the law.”
Batavia Public School District 101 Superintendent Tom Kim said while the safety and rights of students are the district’s top priority, it is still too soon to know how things will play out.
“I don’t have a lot to say [about how serious the threat of deportations is being taken], just because we don’t know,” Kim said. “Right now, I think it’s a little too early for me or the district to say anything to that effect.”
Kim said district administrators would obviously be concerned if potential raids happen, but their current plan is to stay informed and monitor the potential impact that new deportation plans will have on public education in Illinois.
Kim said District 101 will follow the guidelines of what Illinois public schools are directed to do and the legal advisement from the district’s attorneys. He said the district follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations when working with federal or local agencies.
“We certainly want to always keep what’s best in mind for our students at the forefront of what we do and we are continually monitoring the situation practically,” Kim said.