Old Orchard ICE Spotting Was False Alarm, Village Says

SKOKIE, IL — Rumors of immigration enforcement activity at Old Orchard shopping center are false, according to village officials. Claims of a possible raid by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, at the California Pizza Kitchen spread on social media early this week, and village staff fielded "several calls" about the incident.

Skokie Police Chief Anthony Scarpelli contacted the senior management of Westfield Old Orchard and determined there was no confirmation of any ICE raids or presence in the mall. No ICE raids have been confirmed anywhere else in the village, according to a statement from village staff.

Village staff said they share the concerns of residents worried about threats of immigration operations in the Chicago area. Skokie police and staff "will not support or assist" with ICE operations in any way, as required by village code, the statement said.

The rumors of ICE activity at Old Orchard appeared to have begun when a customer at the mall noticed a person wearing an earpiece — like those used in two-way radio or Bluetooth systems — outside the restaurant, according to the statement. There was no evidence that the person was an ICE agent.

Village officials asked residents to contact the Skokie Police Department if they spot suspected ICE raids in the village. Police will determine the accuracy of the possible immigration enforcement activity to avoid spreading inaccurate information, the village said. Anyone with questions about the rights or safety of immigrants and refugee communities was asked to contact the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights at 855-435-7693.