This was no surprise.
Orland Park officials never had trust in the Illinois Trust Act.
Orland Park’s village board wholeheartedly endorses Illinois Senate Bill 1313, mandating law enforcement agencies to coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in enforcing immigration laws and removing those who present a risk to public safety.
In the past, Orland Park officials voted that the village would not be a sanctuary city, and they insist on complying with federal laws over state laws in this matter.
Senate Bill 1313 would repeal the Illinois Trust Act, which Orland officials believe endangers public safety and “shields individuals with criminal records from lawful detention and removal,” according to village documents.
At the Feb. 3 board meeting, the board unanimously voted to support House Bill 1313 while ripping the Illinois Trust Act.
“This law against ICE has been in place by the State of Illinois for a long time and it goes to show you that electing bad people can produce bad laws that help bad guys,” Trustee William Healy said. “This is just an embarrassment to live in a state that doesn’t support ICE and is doing everything humanly possible to put criminals behind bars.
“This legislation (Bill 1313) is just so much common sense and it’s hard to believe anyone could object to it. I support this legislation and I hope somehow it makes a difference to get this legislation changed.”
Healy said that the village is trying to do everything it can to help the police with new equipment and funding only to have the Illinois Trust Act handcuff them.
“It’s just insane that this law goes against trying to do everything you can to try to put criminals behind bars,” he said. “I hope someone takes heed of our resolution and helps pass the bill.”
Trustee Brian Riordan said the Illinois Trust Act hinders the police.
“Some of our leaders in our state and our country and the City of Chicago continue to force our law enforcement to do their jobs with one hand tied behind their back,” he said. “They can’t communicate. They can’t coordinate. This is just another example.
“Read the resolution. It’s criminals. It’s people not coming here in the manner in which the law sets out. There are people who do it right. And it takes a long time, and they persevere and they do it the right way. You are completely throwing it in their faces. To protect criminals is just asinine.”
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau added that “it is unacceptable for the state and county to place the Village of Orland Park, our police officers and our residents in conflict with federal authorities.”
The senate bill is in its infant stages and was recently sponsored by state Senator Neil Anderson, a Republican from Andalusia. The Senate had a first reading on Jan. 28 and the bill has picked up four more senators as co-sponsors.
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