When Eduardo Munoz came to the United States with his family 20 years ago, he said he was living in fear even as he searched for a better life.
"I was told I could not let anyone know about our status," he said. "The fear of getting deported or detained were always present in my mind."
As he stood in line to speak to the Oak Park Village Board on Monday, he said he is still undocumented, but he was not afraid to state his opinions in public.
Munoz was one of several residents speaking in favor of the approval of a welcoming village ordinance in Oak Park, which is designed to protect undocumented immigrant community members from the federal government.
The Village Board passed the ordinance in a 7-0 vote, which was followed with a long standing ovation in the crowded board room.
"I was born and raised in a Muslim home in a Muslim community," Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said. "I am an immigrant, and I am American. I moved to this country seeking the opportunity to live in peace, to be treated equally and justly, and to be educated. America should not be a place where our leaders promote hate."
The ordinance comes after President Donald Trump’s comments on immigration and his executive order, which suspended the program for all refugees coming to the U.S. and suspended U.S. travel visas for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.
Immigration lawyers swamped in wake of travel ban Robert Channick
While President Donald Trump’s suspended travel ban may be up in the air, one thing is certain: His executive order has put the field of immigration law front and center.
“It’s extremely busy. I’m fielding a lot more calls than I normally would, not only from new clients, but also from clients…
While President Donald Trump’s suspended travel ban may be up in the air, one thing is certain: His executive order has put the field of immigration law front and center.
“It’s extremely busy. I’m fielding a lot more calls than I normally would, not only from new clients, but also from clients…
(Robert Channick)
"The president’s policies of exclusion and rhetoric of hate are at fundamental odds with American values," Abu-Taleb said. "I am outraged by his message and his divisive views. America belongs to all of us."
Under the ordinance, no village agency or employee is permitted to accept requests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other agencies to support or assist in any capacity with immigration enforcement operations. Should an employee receive a request to support or assist in an immigration enforcement operation, the employee shall report the request to a supervisor, who will deny the request, the ordinance states.
Unless the village is presented with a valid and properly issued criminal warrant, the village is not allowed to transfer any person into ICE custody.
The ordinance also states no village employee or village agency shall assist with the "creation, publication or maintenance of any federal program to register individuals present in the United States based on their ancestry, national origin or religion."
The other Trump immigration order that will do far more damage
Although the temporary immigration ban has drawn all the attention, the other immigration executive order issued the same day —”Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States” — may do far more lasting damage. It widens the law-enforcement focus from deporting violent convicts (the…
Although the temporary immigration ban has drawn all the attention, the other immigration executive order issued the same day —”Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States” — may do far more lasting damage. It widens the law-enforcement focus from deporting violent convicts (the…
Read the story
Oak Park resident Mony Ruiz-Velasco, who serves as executive director of PASO/West Suburban Action Project, was among the many who spoke in favor of the proposal.
"These last 18 days have been among the worst for our immigrant Muslim brothers and sisters," Ruiz-Velasco said. "Immigration is about human beings finding safety, security and a better life. It’s about people, not politics. I feel privileged to be a part of this movement in Oak Park. It has been proven these policies will make our communities safer and stronger."
Another speaker, Larry Morris, urged trustees not to vote on the ordinance. He asked them to make several amendments and place it on a future ballot for the public to vote on.
"I would ask the board not to vote on it and direct it to a referendum," Morris said. "America becomes greater when we work with the federal government regarding the laws of the land. Every legal immigrant, especially those who have come through the legal system, knows it takes more than a piece of paper to become a citizen. It takes allegiance to our flag and our nation. This law, if you do pass this tonight, is nothing more than mob legislation in response to street mob actions."
All seven board members spoke in overwhelming support of the ordinance.
"This is not mob-induced legislation, this is American democracy at its very best," Trustee Bob Tucker said. "At a really frightening time for our immigrant communities, we are sending a clear message to everyone that Oak Park will not accept the differential treatment of immigrant communities or accept deportation loopholes. We’re not going to waste vital police resources on misguided federal actions."
In addition to taking public comment, the village has received numerous emails in support of and against the plan, trustees said. Trustee Adam Salzman said he disagreed with those saying the ordinance would make Oak Park less safe.
"When you drive undocumented immigrants into the shadows, they are less likely to cooperate with local law enforcement," Salzman said. "I will also submit, the real threat to public safety has been the actions that have been taken by the administration in Washington."
Though Trump threatened to cut federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities, Oak Park officials feel the federal government may not legally restrict those funds.
"If the village has to pursue the funds to which it is entitled in court, there will be some powerful allies to partner with in that fight, most significantly the city of Chicago," Salzman said. "We’re not alone in standing up for what is right."
sschering@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter: @steveschering
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