By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen don’t want to be rushed into adopting a resolution declaring the city a welcoming place for undocumented immigrants.
Before a gathering of about 300 people at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Police Chief Brendan Heffner told alderman public safety is threatened if officers can’t communicate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“We welcome the idea of a welcoming city, we just don’t want to be handcuffed,” Heffner explained.
Heffner suggested a local ordinance isn’t needed because his department is complying with The Trust Act, recently signed by Governor Bruce Rauner, which prohibits state and local police from asking people about their immigration status, or holding them without a warrant.
Alderman David Sage said there are more important problems to worry about, like cutting the budget deficit. However, Alderman Jamie Mathy said the public’s perception about police is a pressing issue.
“We have a perception amongst a significant portion of our community right now that they cannot approach the chief, they cannot approach the Bloomington Police Department to report crimes and report issues – and we have to do something that addresses that perception for the safety of the entire community,” said Mathy.
The council directed the city attorney to change the resolution’s language to allow police to work with federal authorities in matters unrelated to immigration.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].
