On Wednesday, January 15, staff with the Police, Legal, and Equity & Engagement Departments joined the New American Welcome Center to provide details on the Illinois TRUST Act, a 2018 law that governs how Illinois law enforcement engages with federal immigration authorities. Under the TRUST Act, law enforcement officials in Illinois are not allowed to engage in civil immigration enforcement. The event was arranged by members of the Public Safety Group of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan.
Following a presentation on the operations of Champaign Police and the law, Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler and City Attorney Tom Yu were joined on a panel by the police chiefs from Urbana and the University of Illinois Police and the Champaign County Sheriff. The event provided an opportunity for questions and open dialogue, with more than 50 local service providers in attendance. Additionally, resource tables were hosted by local agencies, including Champaign Fire, to provide information and promote the safety of the community.