At a special meeting, the Aurora City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that bans the use of city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement activities. The new rule covers all city-controlled locations, including parking lots, buildings, and parks. These sites cannot be used as staging areas, processing locations, or operational bases for such federal actions.
The ordinance also requires the city to document and share any records of unauthorized attempts by federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to use city property. These records will be sent to the Illinois Accountability Commission, which was recently created by the state. This step is intended to help build a public record of federal activity in Illinois and support policy recommendations aimed at preventing future harm to residents.
City departments are tasked with identifying properties most at risk and installing signs to inform the public about the ordinance. The Corporation Counsel’s office will create procedures for carrying out these rules. Enforcement efforts will be led by the Mayor’s Office or its designee, which will also act as the main point of contact for reporting any unauthorized use.
An amendment from Alderman Michael B. Saville was added earlier in the process. It directs the Aurora Police Department to establish protocols so that officers can document violations when observed while on duty.
In other business during the same meeting, council members approved a lease agreement with Illinois Workers In Action (IWA) for space at 5 S. Broadway Avenue in downtown Aurora. IWA will pay a nominal rent for this office space and provide free legal aid services to residents, including help with visas, immigration matters, detainee support, and deportation defense.
"Aurora is committed to protecting our residents," said Mayor Richard C. Irvin during Wednesday's session. "This ordinance strengthens our resolve to ensure that city resources are not used in ways that could put community members at risk."
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