By Michael Berry    February 3, 2025

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Unless they have a federal warrant, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents won’t get cooperation from the police if they come to Kewanee.

The reason? State law prohibits such cooperation.

Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski and Mayor Gary Moore responded to inquiries from The Kewanee Voice about the city’s policy in case of any ICE actions in the community.

“Our actions are guided by Illinois state law, and our policy aligns with the requirements outlined in state statutes,” Kijanowski wrote.

“As of today,” Kijanowski wrote, “I am not aware of any verified ICE activity in Kewanee. The only information I have seen has come from Facebook, and I have not received any official confirmation.”

“It is understandable, many people are very concerned with new and increasing policies toward immigration at the federal level” Kijanowski wrote. 

The chief offered some key points of the law:

Prohibited Actions

1. No Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws
2. — State and local law enforcement do not have authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws.
3. — Officers cannot stop, arrest, search, or detain individuals solely based on their citizenship or immigration status.
4. — They cannot detain individuals based on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant (non-judicial warrant).
5. No Cooperation with Immigration Enforcement Without a Federal Criminal Warrant
6. Law enforcement agencies cannot:
7. ▪ Participate in immigration enforcement operations.
8. ▪ Provide access to individuals in custody to immigration agents.
9. ▪ Share information about an individual’s release or personal contact details.
10. ▪ Allow immigration agents to use law enforcement resources, including databases.
11. ▪ Transfer individuals into immigration custody.
12. No Inquiries About Immigration Status
13. Officers cannot ask about or investigate an individual’s citizenship or immigration status unless required by specific state or federal laws (e.g., firearm licensing laws).
14. No Denial of Services Based on Immigration Status
15. Individuals in custody or on probation cannot be denied services, programs, or privileges due to their immigration status or the existence of an immigration detainer.

Permitted Actions

• Law enforcement may cooperate with criminal investigations, including federal investigations related to criminal offenses.
• Officers can verify whether a detainer or notification in a national law enforcement database is for a criminal or civil matter. 

MORE: Kewanee Hispanic community fears ICE raids: Protesters seek support and reassurance

Mayor Moore also released this statement when asked by The Kewanee Voice about the city’s approach to the ICE efforts:

“It is understandable, many people are very concerned with new and increasing policies toward immigration at the federal level. I cannot say nor predict what direct effect those policies may have with any of our Kewanee citizens. The far-reaching effect is being felt, as evidenced by the peaceful demonstration conducted in Veterans Park on Saturday afternoon. The city of Kewanee stands with all legal immigrants and welcomes them to Kewanee. Our nation was founded on the backs of legal immigrants, and their contributions are seen in every aspect of our lives.

“When dealing with immigration enforcement, City Manager Gary Bradley, nor any member of the City Council has, nor intends to instruct the Kewanee Police Department to act outside of what is allowed by state law. Kewanee police officers are already under immense pressure handling their day-to-day calls and duties. It would be unfair for the city to ask them to jeopardize their careers by conducting enforcement actions not allowed by state laws. Chief Steve Kijanowski is very capable, and we trust his judgment.”