Rockford Confirms ICE Activity After Agents Spotted in Community
City officials confirmed Tuesday that federal immigration agents were operating in Rockford, but stressed that neither the city nor the police department had advance notice of the activity.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — City officials said Tuesday that they have confirmed reports that federal immigration agents were operating in Rockford, while emphasizing that neither the City of Rockford nor the Rockford Police Department had advance notice of the activity.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the city said it became aware of reports and videos showing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the community.
"We want to be clear that the City and the Rockford Police Department had no prior notice of their arrival or further communication or contact with ICE," the city said.
Officials also reiterated that the Rockford Police Department follows the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities on civil immigration matters. The city said police "will not participate in or assist with any immigration detention related activities."
The reported ICE presence is the latest in a series of immigration enforcement-related incidents that have drawn attention in Rockford over the past year.
In September 2025, the City of Rockford issued a similar public update after an SUV with markings consistent with ICE was spotted at the Rockford Police Department's District 2 headquarters on Broadway. City officials said at the time that ICE agents approached the building when it was closed but had no contact with department personnel. The city stated police had no communication with ICE before, during, or after the incident.
Days earlier, rumors of increased federal immigration enforcement activity prompted community concern after a temporary security fence was installed around the federal courthouse in downtown Rockford. City leaders said they had not been informed of any federal enforcement plans, while protests were held outside the courthouse.
Concerns intensified later that month and into October, when several Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day celebrations were canceled because organizers feared possible immigration enforcement activity. Community leaders said some undocumented residents were avoiding public events, work, school and shopping trips amid uncertainty about potential ICE operations.
In January 2026, former Mayor Tom McNamara confirmed what he described as a "targeted" ICE enforcement action near West State and Avon streets on Rockford's west side. The mayor's office said one person was taken into custody, though city officials said they were not notified in advance by federal authorities.
At a League of Women Voters event in December 2025, local leaders said fewer than five people had been taken into ICE custody in Rockford despite months of concern about increased federal enforcement activity.
Federal officials have maintained that increased immigration enforcement efforts are aimed at public safety and national security, while local officials in Rockford have continued to stress that city police do not participate in civil immigration enforcement because of Illinois law.
As of Tuesday evening, city officials had not released information about the purpose of the operation, how many agents were involved, or whether anyone was taken into custody.