BRIGHTON PARK – Following the recent increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in his district, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Last week, I joined my colleagues, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and residents to draw attention to issues residents are facing in our neighborhoods due to increased ICE activity.

“No one should be kidnapped off the street when they are trying to make a living. Unfortunately, this was the reality for a local flower vendor, who has been a staple in our community. They were detained by ICE this week along with several other neighbors.

“As a majority-minority district, I want to remind residents that I am with you, and will do everything I can to support our immigrant neighbors. The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus is closely monitoring ICE activity across our community and region, and will do the best we can to spread awareness about agent sightings in our communities. If you encounter an ICE agent, please remember to stay calm, develop a plan of action for your family in the event you or your loved ones are detained, and remember your rights.

"I also want to touch on the tragic incident last week in Franklin Park where Chicagoan Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was killed by an ICE agent during a traffic stop. I echo my colleagues in the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and Governor Pritzker calling for the footage of the incident to be released, and condemning the aggressive and reckless tactics employed by ICE in this incident. No one should have lost their life. I am disappointed in the cruelty being exemplified by federal authorities, and demand full accountability for this tragedy in the coming weeks.

"We are living in unprecedented times, but take heart that myself and other Illinois government officials are with you, and will not stop fighting against oppression and prejudice."