Glenview’s motto “Hug the Bear”, inspired by the 1917 Jackman Park Bear statue, serves as a reminder for residents to serve, care for, and give back to their community. While students and residents can support the community in many ways, one way is staying informed on issues in the area, and supporting those who are affected. With increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, students and community members should stand together, stay informed, and support one another.

Consulting rights-education materials from the National Immigrant Justice Center, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois, and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights can aid in learning. Staying educated protects individuals, and sharing that knowledge protects communities and the rights that protect all people in the United States, regardless of citizenship.

ICE was created in March 2003 by the Homeland Security Act. Although ICE enforcement has fluctuated over time, activity has spiked since President Donald Trump took office, climbing nearly 40 percent, according to ice.gov. In September, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area to target “criminal illegal aliens,” CBS News reported.

Previously, a federal court ruled that ICE may not rely on race, speaking Spanish, or clothing as factors contributing to suspicions, though in September, the Supreme Court overruled this, claiming those are reasons that give cause to officers, according to NPR.

Faith institutions across Chicago have hosted “Know Your Rights Workshops” to build awareness and education on people’s rights, according to the National Immigrant Justice Center. The Glenview Public Library has also crafted material for research and information posted on their website for people to stay informed.

When ICE activity occurs in the community, The Glenview Police Department operates under the Illinois TRUST Act, which prohibits local police from enforcing federal civil immigration laws or treating individuals differently based on citizenship of immigration status. At the district level, D225 has a policy regarding how school security interacts with visitors and outside agencies, which was was updated in October, according to Superintendent Dr. RJ Gravel. The policy includes entering through a designated entrance and wearing a visible lanyard.

Additionally, South follows the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines when it comes to visitors and immigration enforcement on school property, Gravel said. In January, ISBE released
guidelines for state school districts that “reinforces students” longstanding rights to public education, regardless of the actual or perceived immigration status of the student or their parent/guardian,” according to the ISBE website, isbe.net.

Glenview is stronger because it is diverse. In a time marked by uncertainty and division, resilience is what can guide us. Nearly 23 percent of Glenview’s population was born out of the country and 30 percent speak another language at home, according to 2023 U.S. census data. Our communities thrive when every neighbour, no matter their status, feels safe enough to participate fully in public life.