LAKE COUNTY, IL — The candidates running for Lake County sheriff have weighed in on the role local law enforcement should play in federal immigration enforcement, an issue that has drawn heightened attention across Illinois.
Democratic incumbent John Idleburg, who is seeking a third term, said his office follows Illinois law and does not arrest or detain individuals solely on requests from federal immigration authorities. Republican challenger Roman Buchberger has emphasized protecting constitutional rights and maintaining public safety.
The candidates addressed immigration enforcement in questionnaires submitted to Patch ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Under Illinois' TRUST Act, local law enforcement agencies face restrictions on participating in federal civil immigration enforcement, including detaining individuals solely on the basis of federal immigration detainers.
Idleburg, who has served as sheriff since 2018, said his department's responsibilities are defined by state law.
"My responsibility as Sheriff is to enforce Illinois law, protect the people of Lake County, and ensure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully," Idleburg wrote.
Idleburg said his office does not arrest or detain individuals solely on the basis of immigration detainers or requests from federal authorities. He distinguished those administrative requests from judicial criminal warrants that provide appropriate legal authority for law enforcement action.
He also said maintaining public trust is essential to effective policing, particularly when working with immigrant communities.
Idleburg argued that victims and witnesses must feel comfortable reporting crimes and cooperating with investigations without fearing that doing so will expose them to immigration enforcement.
He said his administration would continue following state law, respecting individual rights and focusing on protecting people who live, work or visit Lake County.
Buchberger, a Zion resident with 32 years of law enforcement experience, has also addressed the importance of constitutional protections and maintaining public safety in discussing the sheriff's responsibilities.
The candidates are competing to lead an agency responsible for countywide law enforcement operations, jail administration and court security.
The winner of the Nov. 3 election will oversee how the Sheriff's Office carries out its responsibilities under Illinois law while responding to requests from federal authorities.
Lake County Sheriff Candidates Clash Over SAFE-T Act
Read the candidates' full questionnaires:
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