Fear Spreads Across Lake County as Increased ICE Activity Raises Concerns in Waukegan

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Reports of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across Lake County are leaving many immigrant families in Waukegan and neighboring communities feeling anxious, with some residents reportedly avoiding work, school, and even routine errands out of fear of being detained. 

Community organizations say at least five ICE apprehensions have occurred in Lake County over the past month. Among the reported incidents was a June 20 traffic stop in Mundelein and a July 8 enforcement action outside Thermoflex Corporation in Waukegan, where advocates say two people were taken into custody. Local rapid-response volunteers also reported activity near a Uline warehouse in the area. 

Advocates warn the increased enforcement is having effects far beyond immigration cases. According to Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, many residents are becoming reluctant to report crimes, cooperate with police investigations, or seek public services because they fear encounters with federal immigration authorities. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart has also expressed concern that the growing fear within immigrant communities could make it more difficult to prosecute criminal cases if victims and witnesses choose not to come forward. 

ICE has defended its recent operations, stating that some of those detained had previously been ordered removed from the United States. In one case highlighted by federal officials, a man arrested during the Mundelein traffic stop had previously been deported in 2015 before allegedly reentering the country. Federal law allows criminal prosecution for individuals who unlawfully reenter the United States after deportation. 

Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy groups, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), have mobilized volunteers throughout Lake County to monitor enforcement activity, educate residents about their legal rights, and connect families with legal assistance. Organizers are encouraging residents to remain informed, document enforcement activity when it is safe to do so, and seek legal counsel if they or a loved one encounters immigration officials. 

The recent activity in Lake County comes amid a broader increase in immigration enforcement reported across the Chicago region, where community organizations say federal arrests have risen significantly in recent weeks.