Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPECIAL MEETING January 7, 2026 The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m. in the Heritage Ballroom. Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren and Mayor Kaptain were present. Mayor Kaptain read a statement on behalf of the city council. He noted the frustrations regarding federal immigration enforcement (ICE) and noted that the city is acting within their authority. The city council hears the frustrations and concerns, and the hope for the forum was to listen, share experiences and build trust. Mayor Kaptain introduced the forum moderator Joshua Brockway. Joshua Brockway, PhD. provided an overview of his education and experience. He outlined the goals for the forum of sharing information, experiences and ideas related to immigration enforcement to have a shared understanding of the current conditions. He also provided ground rules: avoid making assumptions about intent or motives, avoid debating and refraining from name-calling or verbal attacks. Public Comment There were several speakers with various perspectives, including differing views on immigration enforcement, the role of law enforcement and the city’s legal limitations. There were others that felt the existing laws should be followed. There were many speakers who shared personal experiences regarding enforcement and their concerns about the city’s response. There are fears about families being separated, family members being detained and the accuracy of the information being provided by the federal government. Questions from attendees included requests for details on the December 6th - Maple Lane immigration enforcement conducted by ICE agents. There were questions of whether the videos from that day were being released and if charges against the ICE agents would be filed. Many stated they disagreed with the interpretation of the Trust Act and asked for increased local police involvement during ICE enforcement actions. Additionally, there were questions regarding the status of Officer Lentz. Also requests for continued engagement, clearer communication, increased transparency, and for language interpretation services at public meetings. Committee of the Whole - Retreat January 7, 2026 Page 2 Public Officials City Councilmembers Ortiz, Alfaro, and Martinez responded to comments and questions that were brought forward by the audience. The remaining time for council members to speak was yielded to Police Chief Lalley and the Kane County States Attorney Jamie Mosser. Police Chief Lalley outlined the actions that she had taken after the December city council meeting including speaking with officials in Evanston and outlining her actions during the December 6th - Maple Lane immigration enforcement. Chief Lalley further explained the status of the investigation of Officer Lentz and the next steps that will be taken by her office and the Civilian Review Board. She also announced that the department would be updating their transparency webpage to include information regarding immigration. Jamie Mosser, Kane County States Attorney, reviewed the Illinois Trust Act and work that is being done to amend the act to provide clearer direction for law enforcement. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:48p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis January 28, 2026 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved