The La Grange Village Board has unanimously approved a “welcoming community” ordinance intended to clarify how village government interacts with federal immigration enforcement while reinforcing the village’s commitment to providing services to all residents.
Village leaders said the ordinance largely formalizes practices that have already been in place for years. Under the policy, local officials and employees are not required to inquire about a person’s immigration status when providing routine municipal services such as police protection, emergency response, licensing, or permits. Officials said the goal is to ensure residents feel comfortable interacting with village departments when they need assistance.
Supporters of the ordinance argued that building trust between residents and local government helps improve overall public safety. When residents feel confident that contacting authorities will not expose them to immigration enforcement, they are more likely to report crimes, seek help in emergencies, or cooperate with police investigations.
Village trustees emphasized that the ordinance does not prohibit cooperation with federal immigration authorities when required by law. Instead, it clarifies that local government resources will remain focused primarily on municipal responsibilities such as public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
“This ordinance is about defining our role as a local government,” one trustee said during the discussion. “Our responsibility is to serve the people who live and work in this community, and we want everyone to feel safe seeking help when they need it.”
The policy also aligns La Grange with a number of other communities across the Chicago region that have adopted similar measures in recent years. Many municipalities say such policies are designed to strengthen relationships between residents and local institutions.
Village officials said the ordinance is not expected to significantly change day-to-day operations within village departments. Instead, it provides clearer guidance for staff and communicates the village’s policy to residents.
For village leaders, the measure represents a broader statement about community values. Trustees said they hope the ordinance reinforces La Grange’s reputation as a welcoming place for families and businesses from a wide range of backgrounds.
