PEORIA (25News Now) –The Immigration Project has confirmed an increase in immigration enforcement activity and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across Central Illinois.
Charlotte Alvarez, executive director of the Immigration Project, said at least 10 people have been detained since enforcement operations began earlier this week. The organization has also confirmed the presence of federal immigration officials in the Peoria, Bloomington and Springfield areas.
Alvarez warned that misinformation and unverified reports circulating on social media are creating fear among both documented and undocumented immigrants.
The Immigration Project works with rapid response teams in Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield and other communities throughout the region to monitor and verify reports of immigration enforcement activity.
Through various communication platforms, residents can submit evidence of potential ICE sightings. The organization then works with trained volunteers and other sources it considers reliable to verify the information before notifying community members.
“We want to make sure that we’re only distributing accurate information, because often the fear of ICE presence does as much harm as ICE actually being present in our community,” said Alvarez.
She emphasized that not every unmarked vehicle or reported sighting indicates an ICE operation, although federal immigration agents may use unmarked vehicles and unmarked gear.
Beyond verifying enforcement activity, the Immigration Project provides legal assistance and connects affected families with social services.
“When ICE comes in, they do so in a way that creates trauma for the entire family. They are often taking the breadwinner and often in a way that is traumatizing for the kids in that home. There is a lot we can do to help with the mental health of that family to help connect with food resources, to help connect them to housing resources…” said Alvarez.
25News has not been able to independently confirm what is driving the recent immigration enforcement activity.
Alvarez said the operations could be part of broader immigration enforcement efforts taking place across the country.
Under Illinois’ TRUST Act, state and local law enforcement agencies are generally prohibited from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement.
Alvarez encouraged residents to prepare safety plans before encountering immigration enforcement officers and to understand their legal rights.
She advised individuals to remain calm, avoid resisting or engaging in confrontations, and refrain from providing false information about their immigration status.
If stopped by an officer, Alvarez recommended asking whether the individual represents a local police department or a federal immigration agency.
She also emphasized the importance of understanding the legal requirements for officers seeking to enter a home, including the distinction between judicial warrants and administrative immigration warrants.
The Immigration Project is encouraging residents interested in joining its rapid response teams to attend a virtual training session Wednesday, Nov. 4, from noon to 1 p.m.
Those interested can also contact the organization at rapidresponse@immigrationproject.org or follow its Facebook page for additional information and updates.
