Latest news with #Juntos
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Waukegan should investigate aldermen's alleged actions
Clout has always been a word associated with Chicago pols. Unfortunately, it looks like it has floated north into Waukegan. Fourth Ward Ald. Victor Felix has been mainly mum about claims he's been throwing his governmental weight around over the city's annual Viva la Independencia parade. The parade celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and the independence of Mexico and several other Central and Latin American nations. It is planned for September. Felix had 'no comments' when asked by reporter Steve Sadin the other day if accusations that the alderman was using his post 'to intimidate or manipulate' a community group which was awarded a special-use permit for the parade back in January were accurate. The allegations surfaced at the City Council session of May 19. According to Sadin's account, Elizabeth Marrero, a director of the not-for-profit Juntos, which is organizing the parade, said the alderman urged the group to give up its parade permit. In a statement she read during audience time before the City Council: 'Felix stated that the parade had been promised to other individuals and warned us that if we do not withdraw, they will find loopholes to revoke the permit.' If true, that's an openly daring move by an elected official to use his political power to influence events, like the Hispanic-centric parade. Especially so since Marrero alleged the alderman approached city staff to find loopholes to rescind the group's parade permit, and told her the City Council would vote against the group. 'No public official should use their position to intimidate or manipulate community groups or leverage influence for political gain,' the document said. It added: 'The people of Waukegan deserve elected officials who operate with integrity.' However, Felix responded during alders' time: 'I'm willing to support any parade that brings our city together in the right way,' Sadin reported. The parade has been an annual celebratory event, but also controversial and not without past drama. Last year, the city held two separate Mexican Independence Day parades in Waukegan by vying groups who both received permits for similar occasions. City officials called the dual parades 'unprecedented.' Abuse of power is nothing new in politics, but it has largely not been something that happens in Waukegan in recent years as local media, government watchdogs and political gadflies remain on guard. Newly elected Mayor Sam Cunningham was given a copy of the formal statement. 'We're making it an official document,' the mayor said. City officials should investigate Marrero's allegations to determine what exactly occurred when Felix met with two members of Juntos at a city restaurant. At the very least, pressuring Waukegan residents is a violation of the city's ethics code These are serious charges, if true, and shouldn't be overlooked. The document given to the mayor urges a formal probe of Felix's alleged actions. Perhaps this will be the first case legal counsel representing solely members of the City Council will be on hand to tackle. This isn't the first time city aldermen have been in the spotlight for dodgy happenings. Second Ward Ald. Jose Guzman has been accused of using two homes for his official residence. That allegation was brought up at a City Council meeting last month. Jack Dye, chairman of the Waukegan Port District board, raised the two-house issue during audience time, alleging inconsistencies in the way Guzman was representing himself, according to an April 22 story by Sadin. Dye said the alderman appeared to be treating both homes as his residence. Guzman apparently lives in the 2nd Ward in a house owned by another person, but continues to claim an $8,000 homestead exemption on the home he owns and rents to a tenant in the 7th Ward, according to a series of official documents. Since 2021, Guzman has claimed an $8,000 property tax homeowners' exemption for the 7th Ward property, which he bought in 2020, including the current tax year, according to Lake County Assessor's Office records, Sadin reported. Only one property can receive the tax exemption, and it must be a homeowner's primary residence. 'Either Jose is lying to the state of Illinois and Lake County about his address, (because) he has a general homestead exemption he shouldn't have; or he's lying to the city of Waukegan, saying he's living in the 2nd Ward, about his actual primary residence,' Dye alleged at the meeting. This is another accusation city officials need to get to the bottom of. Or city voters can make known how they feel about clout in the 2027 aldermanic elections.
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan parade organizer accuses alderman of intimidation; ‘This behavior is … inappropriate and very unethical'
Organizers of Waukegan's annual parade celebrating the independence of several Latin American countries and Hispanic Heritage Month are expressing disapproval with Ald. Victor Felix, 4th Ward, for trying to pry them away from the event. Elizabeth Marrero, a director of not-for-profit organization Juntos — the organizer of the Viva la Independencia parade in September — said Felix asked the group to withdraw its special-use permit granted by the city on Jan. 14. The group began working on it in December. 'Felix stated that the parade had been promised to other individuals and warned us that if we do not withdraw, they will find loopholes to revoke the permit,' Marrero said. 'No public official should use their position to intimidate or manipulate (a) community group.' Marrero made Felix's remarks to her and a colleague public during audience time at the Waukegan City Council meeting Monday at City Hall, asking for an investigation into the alderman's behavior. After she finished her remarks, Marrero walked to the center of the dais and handed a copy of her speech to Mayor Sam Cunningham. When the meeting was over, Cunningham gave the paper to Corporation Counsel Joseph Miller, III. 'I'm giving it to our corporation counsel,' Cunningham said. 'We're making it an official document. Our goal is to have a successful parade.' Near the end of the meeting, during a time reserved for council members to speak, Felix said he is committed to the city's event process and following the related rules and procedures. He did not specifically deny any of Marrero's allegations. 'If my actions were perceived as anything other than supportive, I sincerely apologize,' Felix said. 'I'm here to work alongside our community partners, not against them. I stand with those trying to bring positive and inclusive events to our city. I'm willing to support any parade that brings our city together in the right way.' When asked specifically after the meeting if he had asked Juntos to withdraw its parade application, he said, 'No comment.' He gave the same answer when asked if any of Marrero's statements were inaccurate. During her conversation with Felix, Marrero said at the meeting that she felt he was trying to intimidate her and her colleague. He told them that if they appealed the withdrawal of the permit, the council would vote against her. 'Felix stated that by Juntos withdrawing from coordinating the parade will be the best possible scenario for the city of Waukegan to avoid any drama,' Marrero said. 'We also learned this alderman has been questioning city staff about ways to find loopholes to revoke the permit.' After the meeting, Marrero said she received a text from Felix on April 25 asking to meet in person. He insisted it happen quickly. She and her colleague met with Felix on April 27. Already working to organize the parade since December, Juntos was not about to leave the scene. He added pressure. 'This behavior is intimidating, inappropriate and very unethical,' Marrero said. David Motley, the city's communications director, said the city received only one application for the annual parade, and it was already approved. Jesus Uribe, another Juntos member, said through an interpreter during the meeting that the organization donates any excess money generated from the parade back into the community. It is already seeking donations and sponsorships. 'With the money we raised in (last year's) parade, we will be giving three (college) scholarships,' Uribe said. 'Whatever is raised from the next parade will be given to people who have cancer.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HACE Draws 1,500+ Diverse Changemakers to "Juntos, We Rise" Leadership Summit in Chicago
The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) welcomed more than 1,500 changemakers to its high-energy National Leadership Summit & Awards Celebration— Juntos, We Rise: Uplifting Tomorrow's Leaders—an inspiring, two-day hybrid experience fueled by bold ideas, barrier-breaking conversations, and powerful calls to action. CHICAGO, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) welcomed more than 1,500 changemakers to its high-energy National Leadership Summit & Awards Celebration— Juntos, We Rise: Uplifting Tomorrow's Leaders—an inspiring, two-day hybrid experience fueled by bold ideas, barrier-breaking conversations, and powerful calls to action. The Spanish word "Juntos" means "together" in English—reflecting HACE's belief that collective action drives meaningful change. For 43 years, HACE has remained committed to advancing the professional development of Latino and diverse talent. The Summit invited leading thinkers and innovators to deliver keynotes and lead interactive sessions to strengthen workforce inclusion and increase leadership representation. "In the face of shifting landscapes and evolving challenges, now more than ever, the time is right to invest in leadership that reflects our diverse world," said Patricia Mota, who has served as HACE President and CEO for 15 years. "Together, we'll create lasting social impact, bridge sectors, adapt to the evolving workplace, and amplify diverse voices—ensuring they are heard at every level of leadership." She continued: "Despite the challenges we face—especially those arising at the federal level—HACE continues to move the needle on representation, particularly for Latinos and multicultural communities. When companies and organizations reflect the communities they serve, they're better equipped to understand and meet the needs of their customers, employees, and stakeholders. Increasing representation, particularly for underrepresented communities, benefits not only individuals but also the organizations and industries in which they work. A more inclusive workforce drives greater creativity, stronger problem-solving, and improved long-term success." Featured speakers from JPMorgan Chase, United Airlines, The Hispanic Federation, and other top organizations shared insights on community engagement, adapting to AI and emerging technologies, reshaping narratives through storytelling, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with experienced career coaches who offered practical tools and guidance to support their professional journeys. Both days honored excellence through the Summit Awards Celebration and Gala, recognizing individuals making an impact across various sectors. The following awards were presented: Mujer Maravilla Coach Catalyst Alumni Icon Corporate Champion Award Employee Resource Group of the Year Award Servant Leadership Award Redefining Leader Award Full award descriptions and recipient bios are available are found at this link. Nonprofit organizations such as the nonpartisan UnidosUS, which describes itself as America's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy group, have been documenting Latino workplace trends. The organization reports that the labor force participation rate of Latinos is nearly 66%—among the highest of any racial or ethnic group. From 2020 to 2030, Latinos are projected to account for 78% of net new workers. "The workforce is transforming," Mota said. "There is a need in the marketplace, and so HACE will continue to rise with the ascending marketplace. To me, that is the entry point." HACE acknowledges the following contributing sponsors that made this year's event a success: Champion Sponsors: The Coca-Cola Company JPMorganChase Gold Sponsors: Barilla Comcast NBCUniversal Comerica Bank Discover McDonald's Telemundo United Airlines For interview opportunities or additional information, please contact Marie Lazzara at marie@ About HACE: Since 1982, the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), a national nonprofit headquartered in Chicago, has been dedicated to advancing the careers of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds—especially Latinos and multicultural communities. Through leadership programs, career resources, and impactful events, HACE is working to close diversity gaps in industries where representation has historically been limited. With a growing network of over 101,000 members nationwide, HACE partners with employers to attract, develop, and retain Latino and diverse professionals—ensuring they remain competitive in today's dynamic economy. To learn more, visit Media Contact Marie Lazzara, JJR Marketing, 630-400-3361, marie@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
After ICE raid in Philadelphia, immigrant groups, Quakers tackle Trump's challenging immigration changes
Video obtained by CBS News Philadelphia shows an ICE operation carried out at a car wash in the city's Juniata Park neighborhood on Tuesday morning. It happened at Hunting Park Avenue and H Street. The footage, some surveillance video from a nearby store and some cellphone video, shows several people being detained by officers. Immigrant group Juntos, based in South Philadelphia, says this marks one of, if not the first, confirmed ICE raid in the city since President Trump took office. "I think it marks what we've been preparing for the last couple of weeks," Manuel Vasquez, a case organizer with the group, said. ICE Philadelphia officials have not released details on the operation, including how many people were detained, if any had criminal records or why the car wash was targeted. In an X post on Wednesday, ICE announced it had made 1,016 arrests the prior day. "There is a ton of fear-mongering going on in the community right now and a lot of panic that's beginning to incite among our undocumented community members," Vasquez said. Right now, Juntos said its priority is making sure people know their rights and have access to resources. But there is more that's adding to the concern for these communities, like perceived changes in who is being targeted in the raids. On the campaign trail, Mr. Trump touted that undocumented immigrants who were committing crimes in the United States would be the focus of his mass deportation efforts. But on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said all undocumented immigrants are part of the sweep. "Absolutely those should be the priority of ICE, but that doesn't mean that the other illegal criminals who entered our nation's borders are off the table," Leavitt said. "So many of them are here in pursuit of a betterment of their own lives, betterment of the future of their children," Vasquez said. Immigrant groups in the city aren't the only ones contending with the changing laws, however. Some religious groups have taken aim at the policies. This week, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting joined several other Quaker groups in suing the Department of Homeland Security after the agency rescinded a long-standing policy that blocked ICE agents from carrying out operations in houses of worship. "It is about freedom of religion that has an impact on decisions that are being made in this country around immigration also," Christie Duncan-Tessmer, the general secretary of PYM, said. Duncan-Tessmer said the policy had been in place for decades and prevented agents from operating in so-called "sensitive locations" like churches, playgrounds, hospitals and more. DHS pulled that policy last week. As that lawsuit carries on, Duncan-Tessmer said it leaves their meeting halls open to that possibility. She believes it's a violation of the Constitution, and impacts their rights to worship freely. "If they are prevented by that fear from coming to be part of our community, then our way of worship, our way of making decisions together, is compromised," Duncan-Tessmer said. "The idea of agents coming to our meetings with guns, with weapons, is particularly concerning for us." As for Juntos, they said they're preparing for raids to continue in Philadelphia but add the community is resilient. "The people will protect the people," Vasquez said.
