Dearest neighbors,

This morning, several news outlets are reporting immigration enforcement raids across Chicago. The communities of Belvidere and greater Boone County are composed of a significant number of families for whom this issue has deep immediate and personal impact. Our proximity to Chicago raises natural questions and feelings of uncertainty for these families. 

Several law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties, including Rockford, have released statements acknowledging that cooperating with ICE in local immigration enforcement does damage to relationships in immigrant communities. Last week Belvidere Community Unit District 100 also released a statement clarifying their plan to keep students and families safe. In order to protect and serve our communities effectively, law enforcement must build relationships of trust with the people they serve. 

In this time, we believe it would build trust, calm nerves, and give clarity - for the Belvidere Police Department and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department to release statements detailing their involvement, if any, in any local ICE activities.

In particular we ask the following questions:

• Have you been asked to participate in any ICE activities within Boone County or Belvidere?
• Under what circumstances would you assist ICE in activities within Boone County or Belvidere?
• If you were to assist ICE in Boone County or Belvidere, what type of assistance will you provide?

As concerned residents of Belvidere and Boone County, we thank you for considering making such a statement and urge you to do so quickly as a matter of public service and protection.

Sincerely,

The Boone County Democratic Central Committee

Tracy Rangel, Chair

Michael Hart, Vice Chair & Candidate for Alderman Ward 2

Kim Fisk, Second Vice Chair

Amber Rangel, Secretary

Mike Carlyle, Treasurer & Candidate for Alderman Ward 1