In recent weeks, many community members have expressed concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Glenview and our surrounding communities. The Glenview Public Library remains a place open to all people, and we are dedicated to doing everything in our power to make everyone feel welcomed, safe, and supported at the Library. We hope the information and resources below will be helpful to individuals and families in navigating these complex and challenging times.
Know Your Rights & Find Legal Information
All individuals, regardless of immigration status, have legal rights. The following organizations provide immigration-related information and support.
Responses to Potential ICE Activity at the Library
We recognize that the potential for ICE activity in the Library is concerning for many community members. Legally, ICE may enter public areas of the library building, including the lobby, bookstore, meeting rooms and study rooms, and public restrooms. If ICE presence is observed on library property, staff will work with the Village of Glenview Police Department to help maintain public safety if necessary. The Library does not participate in immigration enforcement activities, except when required by law through a valid judicial warrant or court order and with permission from the Executive Library Director.
Ice Activity and Local Law Enforcement
When ICE activity occurs in the community, the Glenview Police Department follows guidelines established by the TRUST Act. As noted on the Office of the Illinois Attorney General website, the TRUST Act generally prohibits local law enforcement in Illinois from participating in immigration enforcement. The focus of local law enforcement is on community safety, not immigration status.
Key components of the Illinois TRUST Act include:
- Local police departments, including Glenview, do not have the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws
- The law prohibits local law enforcement agencies from treating individuals in their custody differently on the basis of their citizenship or immigration status.
- Local police cannot stop, arrest, search or detain an individual based on citizenship or immigration status.
- Officers may not detain or hold someone solely on the basis of an immigration detainer or a request from ICE, unless accompanied by a valid court-issued criminal warrant.
- The TRUST Act only permits law enforcement to participate in, support, assist, or share information with federal immigration enforcement in two narrow circumstances:
- When presented with a federal criminal warrant; or
- When otherwise required by a specific federal law.
Talking to Kids about ICE
The articles linked below offer ideas to better prepare families for conversations with children about immigration and ICE.
- How to Talk to Children About ICE and Immigration (FamilyWorks Seattle)
- Talking to Kids About Immigration Enforcement in Their Communities (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)
- For Kids: What to Do If You’re Worried About ICE (Children’s Network of Solano County)
Learn & Connect
Continue to build your understanding through books and events at the Library. If you're not able to visit the Library, please contact us at refdesk@glenviewpl.org for assistance.
- Read and share stories with this book list created by GPL librarians.
- Watch a recording of our Know Your Rights program from December 3 with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic.
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