BERWYN – After several community members were arrested by ICE agents in Chicago, Cicero, and Berwyn, while others were threatened with weapons, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am horrified at the excessive use of force displayed by ICE agents in my community this week and over the past month. Every day, community advocates share stories of mothers taken away from their children, protestors pepper sprayed, and other reckless treatments from federal agents. This week, images were released of an agent pointing an assault weapon at an unarmed civilian. These actions demonstrate a gross disregard for the safety of our residents. This is not normal, and is deeply alarming.

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes secured over $670 million to build and repair infrastructure in the 1^st Senate District.

“It’s important to invest in our roads and highways to improve our residents’ quality of life and ensure their safety,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “That’s why I am thrilled to announce several infrastructure projects coming to my district next year. With these improvements, our residents will not only have a better experience commuting, but we will see more jobs come to the community.” 

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

CHICAGO – Thanks to advocacy from State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, three adult and family literacy programs in Chicago and Cicero will receive $244,400 in grant funding to support community efforts to improve English literacy.

“Literacy and adult education programs can be transformative tools for professional development,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This funding will enrich ongoing programs in our community so that more people are able to access these high-quality resources, leading to their future success. I am excited to see how this will improve the lives of my constituents.”

The grants, awarded by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, included nearly $18 million for library services and $6.7 million for literacy programs throughout the state. Several organizations and schools in the district Cervantes represents received funding to enhance literacy programs that promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills, including:

BERWYN – To make it easier for community members to receive assistance with driver services, such as renewing their REAL ID or license plate sticker, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is hosting a Mobile DMV this Saturday in partnership with the city of Berwyn and several local health care providers.

“With the business of our daily lives, it can be difficult to find time to go to a driver services facility and get your paperwork taken care of,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “That’s why my office organized a Mobile DMV — we want our neighbors to have access these important resources so they can update their documents more easily. I encourage members of the community take advantage of this event, and am grateful for the Secretary of State and Berwyn Mayor Lavero for teaming up with us to provide this opportunity.”

The Mobile DMV will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Middle School, located at 6850 31^st St. in Berwyn. Constituents with appointments can receive assistance with vehicle registration, license plate sticker services, and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs.