Illinois Latino lawmakers denounced increased immigration enforcement in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, citing two recent fatal shootings and concerns about arrests near courthouses.
By Hola America
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemned increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement across the Chicago area and other communities following two fatal shootings involving federal immigration operations.
“Immigrant families across Illinois are living with fear as ICE enforcement continues to escalate in our communities,” the caucus said.
Lawmakers cited the fatal shooting of a Colombian man by an ICE agent in Maine and the death of another immigrant father during a separate enforcement operation.
“The persecution of our immigrant community needs to stop. ICE needs to leave our cities and leave our communities alone,” the caucus said. “Our immigrant neighbors deserve to feel protected and safe in our communities.”
The caucus connected the recent deaths to the killing of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was shot by an ICE agent in Illinois.
“We stand in solidarity with these communities as they organize and support one another, just as communities across Illinois have done, because we know their pain and share their determination to protect their families and neighbors,” lawmakers said.
Related: Illinois Latino Caucus previously warned about increased ICE activity in Chicago
Lawmakers raise concerns about courthouse arrests
The caucus also raised concerns about possible violations of the Illinois Court Access, Safety and Participation Act, which restricts federal immigration arrests at or near county courthouses.
ICE activity has also increased throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Data cited by the caucus from The Resurrection Project showed that calls reporting possible ICE activity had risen by nearly 50%.
“These actions represent a return by the Trump administration to tactics it claims are focused on targeting the worst, but, in practice, are designed to sow fear and chaos in hardworking communities across our state and beyond,” the caucus said.
Related: Illinois moved to block civil immigration arrests at state courthouses
Caucus shares family safety and legal support resources
Illinois Latino lawmakers said they would continue informing residents about their rights, regardless of immigration status, and defending constituents affected by federal enforcement activity.
“Our message remains clear: we will continue to inform our communities of their rights, regardless of their status,” the caucus said. “We will continue to defend our constituents and remain visible in the face of aggression.”
The caucus urged families concerned about federal enforcement activity to stay connected with credible sources and prepare contingency plans.
Families can create an emergency plan and download bilingual “Know Your Rights” materials through The Resurrection Project’s resource hub at trpimmigrantjustice.org/resourcehub#KYR.
The Family Support Hotline is available at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Korean and Polish.
Residents can also connect with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ Family Support Network at www.icirr.org/fsn or call the same hotline at 1-855-435-7693.
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