CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement condemning increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the Chicagoland area and beyond, which recently resulted in two fatal shootings:
“Immigrant families across Illinois are living with fear as ICE enforcement continues to escalate in our communities. That fear has only deepened following the fatal shooting of a Colombian man by an ICE agent in Maine this week, coming just days after another immigrant father lost his life 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. We need to stand up and fight against the extremists in our country, because our immigrant neighbors deserve to feel protected and safe in our communities.
“These events hit close to home because we know the pain that the loved ones and communities of those affected are experiencing. We felt that same heartbreak when Silverio Villegas Gonzalez was shot and killed 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.
“We are also deeply concerned by the blatant violation of the Illinois Court Access, Safety and Participation Act, which prohibits federal immigration agents from making arrests at or near county courthouses. At the same time, ICE enforcement activity throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs has risen significantly. Data from the nonprofit Resurrection Project shows that calls reporting ICE activity have increased 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.
“Our message remains clear: we will continue to inform our communities of their rights, regardless of their status. We will continue to defend our constituents and remain visible in the face of aggression.
“We urge everyone to stay informed through credible sources, stay connected and develop contingency plans.”
If you or a loved one are concerned about potential enforcement actions by federal agencies, please refer to the resources provided below:
Create a Family Safety Plan: Make sure your family has an emergency plan, and print out the “Know Your Rights” card. You can find bilingual templates for these resources at trpimmigrantjustice.org/resourcehub#KYR.
Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
Languages available: English, Spanish, Korean, Polish
Connect with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ Family Support Network: Visit www.icirr.org/fsn or call the Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
Languages available: English, Spanish, Korean, Polish
