The Will County Board voted along party lines Thursday to reject a resolution declaring the county a non-sanctuary county, after several residents said it was an anti-immigrant resolution that runs counter to the county’s welcoming values.
Several audience members held signs saying immigrants are welcome here, and told the board the resolution tells current residents and immigrants they do not belong. The resolution needlessly scapegoats people who come to Illinois seeking safety and opportunities, they said.
“It does nothing in the affirmative,” Cesar Guerrero said. “It is, quite simply, political posturing.”
Eleven Democrats voted against the resolution and eight Republicans voted in favor of it.
Nancy Garcia, director of civic engagement for the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project of Bolingbrook, said the resolution is not progress.
The message is divisive, said Amy Sanchez, program director for Warehouse Workers for Justice.
“Let the federal government pass responsible immigration reform,” Sanchez said. “That is not the place of the county board.”
Griselda Chavez said the resolution would undermine the values of diversity, inclusivity and equality and fail to protect the residents who live here.
Residents do not deserve to live in fear, and the board should enact policies to promote the well-being and prosperity of all county residents, Chavez said.
County Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry read emails for more than two hours from residents asking the county board to reject the non-sanctuary county resolution. They noted the county has about 84,000 immigrants who contribute to the county’s economy.
Last week, Republican members of the county board’s Executive Committee recommended the declaration, saying the issue of illegal immigration was one of their constituents’ main concerns. Sanctuary cities overwhelm social service agencies and strain community resources, the resolution states.
Democrats, however, said immigration reform is a national issue and not one the county board can solve, suggesting residents contact their federal representatives to take action.
“I’ll be a no anytime anyone on this board brings any kind of resolution that increases the divisiveness and racism of this country,” Joliet Democrat Denise Winfrey said.
Republican Dan Butler of Frankfort said no one is against immigration, but rather illegal immigration and was concerned buses of migrants and asylum seekers are taxing communities.
“Because we live in a state with a sanctuary city, there are billions of dollars of drain on our welfare system,” Butler said. “We as a community have to burden the cost when they get dropped off in our communities.”
Democrats, on the other hand, said the resolution was meaningless with no enforceable mechanism and accused Republicans of playing politics during an election season.
Democratic Leader Jackie Traynere of Bolingbrook said it was a dog whistle.
“Certain people in power are using their power to divide us for personal, political gain,” Traynere said. “It is very clear that this is truly only a political message to try to scare people. It has nothing to do whatsoever with county business.”
Immigration does not bring a crime wave, she said.
The Will County sheriff’s department and the health department have not complained about problems with illegal immigration, said Elnalyn Costa, a Democrat from Bolingbrook.
“(The resolution) makes me question our capacity for compassion, for dignity, respect and inclusion,” she said.
The Will County Board also issued the final proclamation for the foreseeable future. The board issued a proclamation Thursday recognizing Independence Day, but later voted to remove proclamations from future agendas.
Proclamations typically don’t cause discussion at the board, but rather make for a photo opportunity between elected officials and their constituents. Proclamations usually recognize community organizations, holidays or bring awareness to various causes.
At the board’s June meeting, members of Will County Pride organizations stood at a lectern to hear a proclamation honoring Pride Month, when two Republican board members questioned why it was on the board’s agenda.
In response, Destinee Ortiz, a Romeoville Democrat, gave a passionate speech in support of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Board member Meta Mueller, an Aurora Democrat, said she was upset by other board members’ behavior at the June meeting, and that it was frustrating listening to speech that was divisive.
Board Chair Judy Ogalla, who voted in favor of keeping proclamations, said it was unfortunate the board removed them since they are statements that can celebrate the community.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter.
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