Mayor Rotering opened the City Council meeting on Oct. 30 with an extended statement addressing community concerns about recent federal immigration enforcement activity and the federal government shutdown.

Rotering said Highland Park has seen residents ‘‘experience significant stress, concern, fear, and outrage’’ over recent federal actions but noted city staff were not aware of any confirmed immigration enforcement activity in Highland Park. She said the city values inclusion and that immigrants have been part of Highland Park since its founding.

Rotering highlighted existing resources for residents, including Moraine Township and West Deerfield Township food pantries, 211 Lake County for financial assistance, and the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic for free confidential legal help; she directed residents to the citys website and a "know your rights" page at cityhpil.com for additional information. The mayor also referenced the Illinois Trust Act as a framework that limits how local law enforcement may assist federal immigration enforcement and urged residents to rely on trusted community organizations for information and support.

Why it matters: Public remarks from city leadership can shape residents understanding of their rights and of municipal limits in the face of federal enforcement. The mayor underscored both the citys concern for residents and the legal limits on local authority to block federal action.

Notable quotes

"Highland Park has a long standing legacy of inclusion," Mayor Rotering said, and later added, "Most importantly, every person who lives, works, studies, and visits Highland Park has the basic right to feel safe and welcome here." She also directed residents to the city resource pages, saying, "Information about each of these and other community resources can be found on the city's website, cityhpil.com."

Details and resources cited

- Legal help: North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (nslegalaid.org)
- Emergency/confidential support and referrals: 211 Lake County
- Food assistance: Moraine Township and West Deerfield Township food pantries
- City resources and "know your rights" material: cityhpil.com/backslash know your rights

What the mayor did not say

The mayor stated staff were not aware of confirmed immigration enforcement activity in Highland Park but did not claim the city had special legal authority to prevent federal actions; she explicitly noted the Illinois Trust Act defines responsibilities and limits for local governments.

— End —