McHenry County Board Votes To Keep ICE Contract

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

After over a year of discussion, the McHenry County Board voted down a resolution that would cancel McHenry County’s contract with the US Marshals/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house and transport federal detainees at its Tuesday evening meeting.

Since 2005, McHenry County has maintained a contract with the US Marshals/Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house a number of federal detainees, the majority of which were for ICE. Revenue from this contract would then be used to offset costs in the County’s jail. In 2015, the County Board approved a modified contract that continued the relationship, but on a month-to-month basis. Calls to look into the County’s willingness to continue the contract would resurface again in early 2020.

In an eight to fifteen vote, the McHenry County Board voted against a resolution to cancel the contract with the US Marshals/Immigration and Customs Enforcement by November 1, 2021.

County Board Chairman Michael Buehler, R-Crystal Lake, commented, “Tonight’s decision reaffirms our commitment to continue working in collaboration with our federal partners to ensure national security, border security, and public safety. I support the board’s decision to keep this contract in place. Immigration is a federal issue, and any decision made by the McHenry County Board regarding its ICE contract does not amend federal immigration laws as they relate to the detention of non-citizens. Without a mandate handed down from the federal government, which has the authority to change laws of this nature, our role is to adhere to federal statutes.”

He also commented that, “County Board Rules were followed, and the public was given an ample opportunity to express their opinions. Board members heard the public comments and engaged in their own research to support tonight’s decision. I respect the process that led to today’s vote.”

To watch the full meeting and public comment, visit McHenry County’s Meeting Portal at: www.mchenrycountyil.gov.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.