PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Despite no documented activity in Peoria, City Council members heard concerns Tuesday night from four residents about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
For about 20 minutes, the residents detailed concerns over cases reported elsewhere in Central Illinois and a high-profile incident in Minnesota.
Speakers asked city leaders to consider providing clarity in the event these worries continue to grow.
One speaker from Tuesday night led a vigil for Renee Good in Peoria. She said community members brought concerns about protecting children and looked for guidance on how to build protections in case ICE comes to Central Illinois.
“I understood that they wouldn’t be able to respond right away, but I did want them to take the time to consider the community’s concerns and what the necessary next steps are,” said Darcie Cady, a community advocate in Peoria.
“Thankfully they did say in closed session after the city council meeting that they would be discussing a response plan. Not only for the community, but also specifically for our schools within District 150. So I am grateful for that and that is a great step,” she continued.
In a statement to 25 News, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said: “I understand community concerns regarding a potential increase in ICE presence and activity in Peoria. We will meet internally to discuss protocols in the event of this occurrence to assure fair and legal procedures.”
Cady said that part of the point of concern comes from Gov. JB Pritzker’s warning about possible ICE presence in Central and Southern Illinois.
In October, Pritzker warned Peoria residents at an event that he predicted ICE would be in the city soon, but no documented report of ICE presence in Peoria has been confirmed.
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