Chicago Sun-Times

In Chicago, police can only contact INS

August 29, 2007

Chicago became a sanctuary city in March 2006 by an Executive Mayoral Order -- one of an estimated 32 across the country, including New York, Seattle and the oldest, (1979) Los Angeles.

According to Monique Bond, spokeswoman for Chicago Police Department, officers can only contact INS during the course of an investigation when an offender declares illegal immigration status.

"Under federal law, enforcement of immigration law rests with the INS and not with local police. Chicago Police do not stop-and-question, detain or arrest any person that is not suspected of committing a crime or based solely on the grounds that the person may be an illegal immigrant. Chicago Police provide police service to all persons in the City of Chicago, regardless of their citizenship status."

Esther J. Cepeda

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/5322 ... 29.article