At the Nov. 17 meeting of the Village Board of Gurnee, residents told trustees the community remains shaken after recent immigration enforcement activity they said reached into Warren High School and affected students and families.

Laura Ramirez, a Gurnee resident of 11 years, described an Oct. 30 incident in which she said immigration enforcement officers pursued and subdued an individual inside the high school. Ramirez said the event frightened children, led families to stay home, and prompted parents to advise children to "look less Mexican" to avoid attention. She asked the board to publicly condemn the actions, to draft a resolution limiting immigration enforcement on village property and to keep Gurnee welcoming and safe.

Julian Ruiz, who said he grew up in the community, echoed those concerns and asked the village to adopt an "ICE-free zones" resolution similar to measures other municipalities have taken. Ruiz said enforcement activity has harmed workers and local businesses by making people fearful of leaving home.

Trustees did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting; the comments were entered into the public record. Ramirez and Ruiz said other municipalities including Waukegan and Lake County have issued statements or resolutions addressing enforcement activities.

Next steps: Petitioners asked the board to draft and consider a formal resolution limiting immigration enforcement on village property; trustees did not indicate a vote date during the meeting.