URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams is addressing growing community concerns following reports of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Champaign-Urbana area.
In a statement released this week, Mayor Williams confirmed that federal agents have been active in Urbana and nearby communities over the past several weeks.
Mayor Williams confirmed in a statement that federal agents have been active in Urbana and nearby communities over the past several weeks. He did not disclose which other communities have seen federal operations.
However, Williams emphasized that the Urbana Police Department has not been involved in any of these operations.
“Any immigration enforcement activity happening here has been conducted solely by federal authorities,” Williams said. “The Urbana Police Department has not participated in, coordinated with, or provided assistance for any of these actions.”
Mayor Williams said Urbana is committed to its sanctuary city resolution and is complying with Illinois state law, noting that the city’s role in federal civil immigration enforcement is “extremely limited and intentionally so.”
He added that the city’s focus is on ensuring safety, inclusion, and trust for all residents, regardless of race, color, or national origin.
“Urbana will continue to stand for dignity, safety, and respect for all,” the mayor said.
Champaign County, where Urbana is located, is home to one of the highest immigrant populations in Illinois, according to the City of Champaign's website.
Urbana's mayor encouraged residents to learn about their rights and seek assistance from trusted local organizations offering legal and immigration support. He also urged anyone with questions to contact federal agencies or their elected representatives directly.
The city said it will continue to monitor federal operations in the city and keep residents informed while exploring all options available under the law to protect the community.
Specific locations of immigration enforcement haven't been disclosed.
Federal immigration operations have been ongoing for several months in cities all across the U.S. The Trump Administration has made it a focus to remove undocumented immigrants from the U.S.
While most operations have been happening in larger cities, like Chicago, smaller operations have taken place in some smaller communities.
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