DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Law & Justice Committee met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Law & Justice Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, April 22, 2024, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Kathy Lampkins called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Those members present were Tim Bagby, Mary Cozad, Patrick Deutsch, Maureen Little, Ellingsworth Webb, and Chair Kathy Lampkins. A quorum was established with six members present and one absent. Others present included County Administrator Brian Gregory, Sheriff Andy Sullivan, and Court Services Director Mike Venditti. Amber Quitno arrived at 7:19 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Mary Cozad moved to approve the agenda as presented. Ellingsworth Webb seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Maureen Little moved to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2024 committee meeting. Patrick Deutsch seconded the motion and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Anna Wilhelmi of Paw Paw Township outlined that DeKalb County is a welcoming and safe place for immigrants and asylum-seekers. She added that the term “sanctuary” means “safe” and therefore, it would be inaccurate to designate DeKalb County as a non-sanctuary county. Wilhelmi stated that undocumented individuals make significant contributions to the economy and that there is no correlation between asylum-seekers and crime.

Dennis DeWolf of Sycamore outlined that the United States is a country that welcomes individuals that come into this country legally. He added that the government should ensure our veterans are cared for before allocating resources for illegal and unvetted immigrants.

Dan Kenney of DeKalb Township posed the question, “Do we want to be known as one of the few unwelcoming counties in the state?” He outlined that it would be unwise for DeKalb County to consider a resolution designating DeKalb as a non-sanctuary county when the county is spending thousands of dollars on a convention and visitors bureau. Kenney added that he wants to live in a county that supports the idea that every human being deserves to feel safe in the place they call home.

Becky Nelson of Sandwich Township reviewed that 40% of the individuals that cross the border into this country will not qualify for asylum and will “have to figure it out”. She outlined that asylum-seekers are fully funded by the government and that the 40% that do not qualify for asylum contribute to an increase in crime. Nelson urged the committee members to do more research on the issue before making a decision regarding the county’s sanctuary status.

Anita Zurbrugg of DeKalb Township stated that she has always known DeKalb County to be a welcoming and safe place and that she is shocked that the county’s sanctuary status has become an issue. She outlined that in the past, the county did not always treat individuals appropriately and suggested that the committee learn from the past and continue efforts to ensure DeKalb County remains a welcoming community.

Elsie Morrissey of Sandwich Township stated that it is not a monolithic group of people that cross our border and emphasized that we do not know who these people are that are demanding services. She outlined that there has been an increase in crime associated with the influx of people coming into our country, adding that she does not feel the county can afford to support them and that the burden will fall on the taxpayers.

John Frieders of Somonauk Township outlined that due to the country’s open-door policy, there has been an enormous influx of immigrants that cannot be controlled. He added that while DeKalb County residents want to be welcoming, they do not want to open the door to evil like the crime that has been seen in other parts of the country. Frieders stated that the increase in homelessness, food pantry shortages and inflation are adding stress to the system and that we must oppose uncontrolled immigration for the betterment of the country.

Brian Anderson, a resident of Kane County stated that government has failed to properly address the immigration issue and encouraged committee members to do their own research and listen to their citizens.

Vianey Lopez, a resident of DeKalb stated that when she first moved to DeKalb County, the county did not feel welcoming. She reviewed that her parents came to this country illegally and with no criminal record. Lopez stated that much progress has been made and that she now feels DeKalb County is welcoming however, she is disturbed by the current dialogue regarding the county’s sanctuary status.

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Discussion of DeKalb County’s Sanctuary Status

Chair Lampkins distributed copies of resolutions from Grundy County and LaSalle County that establish the counties as “non-sanctuary”. Chair Lampkins opened the floor for committee discussion.

The committee discussed the method of transporting immigrants in buses and the substantial number of immigrants that have come to and through Chicago. Committee members expressed confidence that local government can come together to resolve the issues for the betterment of the county and country.

Committee members reviewed the jurisdictional limits of any resolution passed by the DeKalb County Board in considering county versus municipality resources. Members emphasized the need to determine the best method in connecting people with resources and decided to schedule further discussion for the next meeting to allow members more time to study the issue.

REPORTS

Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Sullivan reviewed the March Jail Population Report, Inmate Population Statistics, and Corrections Overtime Report. He reviewed that the department is short-staffed by thirteen (13) employees and that overtime will remain high until the positions are filled.

Court Services

Director Venditti reviewed the Court Services, Juvenile Placement/Detention Report, and Pretrial Statistics report. He outlined that the department is currently short-staffed by one employee. Venditti also provided an overview of the various training classes employees have recently attended.

Public Defender

In the absence of Public Defender Chip Criswell, no report was filed. The March Report of Public Defender, Clients vs. Caseload and Charges Filed reports were included in the committee packet.

OLD BUSINESS

No items

NEW BUSINESS

Ellingsworth Webb mentioned that the Ben Gordon Center has expanded to offer 24/7 mental health crisis care.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Maureen Little and seconded by Ellingsworth Webb to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/minutes-law-04222024-1.pdf