Elgin Considers City ID, Legal Defense Fund for Immigrant Residents

Proposed ordinance aims to codify immigration policies, create municipal ID program, and establish legal defense fund.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Elgin City Council is debating an ordinance that would codify the city's existing immigration-related policies, create a municipal ID program, and establish a legal defense fund for immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The goal is to support and include immigrant community members who have felt left out in the past.

Why it matters

The proposed ordinance is part of Elgin's efforts to be more inclusive and supportive of its diverse immigrant population. It aims to strengthen the city's relationship with immigrant communities and provide resources to help residents facing immigration enforcement actions.

The details

The ordinance would prohibit certain conduct by city employees that could harm the city's relationship with immigrant communities. It would also create a municipal ID program open to all residents regardless of immigration status, and establish a legal defense fund to provide legal assistance to residents facing immigration enforcement. Other components focus on economic development, community engagement, and language access.

  • The Elgin City Council discussed the proposed ordinance at a meeting this week.
  • The ordinance will be refined and brought back for further discussion at a future meeting in March.

The players

Elgin City Council

The governing body of the city of Elgin, Illinois that is debating the proposed immigration ordinance.

Councilwoman Diana Alfaro

An Elgin City Council member who worked with Councilman Corey Dixon to develop the ordinance proposal.

Councilman Corey Dixon

An Elgin City Council member who worked with Councilwoman Diana Alfaro to develop the ordinance proposal.

Christopher Beck

The Elgin City Attorney who provided feedback on the ordinance proposal.

Dianha Ortega-Ehreth

An Elgin resident and executive director of Centro de Información who spoke in support of the ordinance at the council meeting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're trying to be intentional with this ordinance. We are trying to make sure people who have felt left out, who have been left out, are being included. … (The intent is) to make sure immigrants are heard and seen.”

— Councilwoman Diana Alfaro (chicagotribune.com)

“It's about supporting our community members, our neighbors, and doing everything we can in our power to give that support to let the community know we hear you, we don't like what's happening.”

— Councilman Corey Dixon (chicagotribune.com)

“The city of Elgin is indeed diverse, and I have experienced your leadership to be open and welcoming for people of all backgrounds and traditions. This may be how the city already operates, but having it codified and expanded in this manner is very reassuring to residents like me, who will look to all future city leaders, both elected and not elected, to align their actions with these inclusive values.”

— Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, Elgin Resident (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The Elgin City Council will continue to refine the proposed ordinance and bring it back for further discussion at a future meeting in March.

The takeaway

Elgin's proposed immigration ordinance reflects the city's efforts to be more inclusive and supportive of its diverse immigrant population. By codifying existing policies, creating a municipal ID program, and establishing a legal defense fund, Elgin aims to strengthen its relationship with immigrant communities and provide vital resources to help residents facing immigration enforcement actions.