On October 6, the Village of River Forest put out a statement on federal immigration enforcement operations in suburban communities.
The statement led several Elmwood Park residents to ask, why hasn’t the Village of Elmwood Park put out a similar statement?
River Forest’s makeup is markedly different from Elmwood Park. Nearly 80 percent of the population is white. The average income of a household in River Forest is nearly $150,000 a year, according to United States Census data.
In contrast, U.S. Census data indicates that Elmwood Park is barely a majority white village. Nearly 40 percent of the population is Hispanic. The average income of a household in Elmwood Park is nearly $85,000 a year. Which means that residents in Elmwood Park are much more vulnerable to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Chicagoland area.
Elmwood Park has thousands of people living in the village, who are noncitizens or “foreign-born.” They could easily be targeted or profiled.
Families are anxious for any reliable information that can help this community prepare for ICE operations. They would like basic details about police coordination and state regulations and the law. They have questions about finding resources and legal assistance that could help them.
The Elmwood Park Advocate has also learned that a number of residents would like to know if the village has any plans should ICE conduct raids in the community. For example, what happens after school if a parent is detained and they cannot pick up their children? Who will school employees contact?
With no end date for ICE operations in the Chicagoland area, residents will remain eager for communication from their local government. And to illustrate this fact, the newsletter is sharing a copy of a letter that we received from a registered nurse and resident that urges village leaders to address fears in the community.
I am writing as both a registered nurse and a resident of Elmwood Park to urge our Village to issue a public statement addressing the community fear generated by ICE.
According to the latest U.S. Census, over 27% of our neighbors in Elmwood Park are of Latino or Hispanic origin. The current climate of fear creates a direct threat to the health and stability of our community.
In my work, I see how this fear prevents people from seeking essential medical care, leading to worse public health outcomes for everyone. Furthermore, this environment of anxiety impacts our schools. When children or their families live in fear of separation, it creates immense stress that undermines their ability to learn and feel safe in our community.
Elmwood Park’s silence, while other villages have acted, is concerning. It undermines the trust that is vital for a healthy, cohesive community.
I urge you to lead by issuing a clear statement that reaffirms Elmwood Park as a place where all residents feel safe accessing healthcare, attending school, and utilizing essential services without fear. Protecting the health and safety of every resident and child is not a political issue. It is our fundamental responsibility.
Respectfully,
Registered Nurse/Resident