A Republican lawmaker in Illinois was lambasted for his "ignorant" concern that an "All People Are Welcome" sign, installed more than five years ago, could encourage "crime" from immigrants.
Alderman Chad Tuneberg initially voiced his concerns at a Feb. 10 Rockford City Council meeting, sharing that his constituents are worried the sign encourages criminals and undocumented immigrants to visit the city, with some questioning whether Rockford is a sanctuary city, WIFR reported. He maintained his concern is that the sign was installed without the council's approval.
"If they're committing crime within our community, I don't want to see them here," he told the outlet.
On Monday, the council held its first meeting since Tuneberg made his initial comments. The chamber was filled with residents, activists and members of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, protesting Tuneberg's "unfounded" and "ignorant" comments. Some attendees even held up signs in silent protest, one of which read, "Will Trade 3W Alderman For Immigrants."
"Rockford has always been a city that thrives because of its immigrants," Victoria De La Rosa, a community activist, told WIFR. "I don't think that a welcoming sign is something that needs the time that it's being given right now."
Council members in the Planning and Development Committee, which Tuneberg is not a member of, unanimously approved a resolution "reaffirming support" for the sign. It will, however, move to a council-wide vote on March 3 and is expected to pass again.
Tuneberg said he is content because his intention was never to change the sign, but to start a conversation about council approving city signs before they are installed.
"At least we know going forward that signs will be cleared through the respective alderman," he told the outlet.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
