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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Aldermen call for hearing into Chicago police response to ICE demonstration
Members of the City Council's Latino Caucus are calling for an investigation into how Chicago police responded to the Wednesday demonstration outside a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement office in the South Loop, where federal agents detained immigrants and clashed with aldermen. Twelve of the 14 aldermen in the caucus signed a letter condemning the high-profile showdown at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. The council's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights — which Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Andre Vasquez leads — will hold a hearing 'to examine the extent of ICE's misconduct and determine whether the Chicago Police Department played any role in (Wednesday's) actions,' according to the letter. In a Wednesday evening statement, the Police Department denied that officers aided the federal agents. 'We condemn in the strongest terms ICE's unlawful detainment practices,' the statement from Latino Caucus members read. 'We stand united in calling for a full investigation into the conduct of ICE agents involved in this operation and for the immediate release of all individuals detained under these unlawful circumstances.' Vasquez told the Tribune the committee later this month hopes to call Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson's deputy mayors Garien Gatewood and Beatriz Ponce de Leon, who oversee community safety and immigration rights, respectively. He cited 'conflicting' information on the events at the ICE office and said 'we just want to make sure that protocols are being followed properly related to CPD.' Johnson on Thursday sidestepped questions on whether he had full confidence in the police response or whether it was appropriate for City Council to probe CPD's actions. 'Look, I think it's important that we assess the entire situation,' the mayor said while speaking to reporters at a National Immigrant Heritage Month event. 'And so assessing what happened to ensure that when the actions of the federal government come up against our values, that the full force of government is showing up in an emphatic way, but in a way that upholds our Welcoming City ordinance.' The mayor then pivoted to attack an easier political target, President Donald Trump, and shouted out the protesters as 'the resistance that we need.' 'We saw armed, masked men walk down our streets in broad daylight, and they kidnapped mothers and fathers. We saw them brutalize protesters and shove crying grandmothers into the back of unmarked vans,' he said. A source who spoke with Snelling said Chicago police officers were responding to an emergency call about a safety threat and realized upon arrival that their presence could look like they were partnering with ICE. Police leadership planned to scale back, the source said, but by then a mass gathering was convening so CPD opted to stay. In his Wednesday statement, Chicago police spokesperson Tom Ahern said CPD began an emergency response at the courthouse Wednesday after receiving two calls of an officer needing assistance. At the scene, Chicago police officers spoke with individuals inside the building and in the large crowd outside 'to ensure the safety of all involved, including those exercising their First Amendment rights.' 'Officers arrived without knowledge of immigration enforcement occurring at the location,' Ahern said. 'At no point did CPD assist in immigration enforcement. All actions taken by CPD during this incident were in accordance with CPD policy and the City of Chicago Municipal Code.' Carlos Pimeda, far right, tears up as he explains to Chicago aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, far left, Anthony Quezada, 35th, second left, and Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, that he dropped his family friend off at 8:15 a.m., onJune 4, 2025, at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) and he's been in the facility for almost 6 hours. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents bring people to white vans outside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A protester leads a chant in the alley behind the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A Chicago police officer speaks to Alds. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, and Anthony Quezada, 35th, as they block the driveway to stop federal vehicles from entering the parking lot outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Two boys cry after their mother was taken away in a van by federal agents on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) People cry as they see their loved one being escorted by federal agents outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People in handcuffs are escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police stand inside while demonstrators gather on June 4, 2025, at a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, listens in to a speaker during a press conference outside of BI Incorporated's ISAP (Intensive Supervision Appearance Program) on June 4, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) A woman and child move out of the way as federal agents bring people to white vans outside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A federal agent pushes Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, as she stands near the parking lot next to the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents hold back protesters as they lead handcuffed detainees into a van on South Michigan Avenue on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Anthony Quezada, 35th, is knocked down alongside Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, while confronting federal agents on June 4, 2025, as the agents approached a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove detainees from the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) OCAD organizer Antonio Gutierrez speaks to Carlos Pimeda, after Pimeda had waited for 6 hours for a family friend to return from his check-in at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, on on June 4, 2025. Pimeda brings his friend to his immigration check-ins and they usually last about an hour. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents move people back after they escorted people in handcuffs to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A man tears up as he talks on the phone in the alley behind the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025, as protesters scream at them. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People wave to their loved one inside of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) People in handcuffs are escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Exterior of ISAP (Intensive Supervision Appearance Program) at BI Incorporated on South Michigan Avenue on June 4, 2025. A scene unfolded earlier where ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers detained a number of people at the ISAP office. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Masked federal agents arrive to remove detainees as protesters demonstrate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Alds. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, left, stands with Anthony Quezada, 35th, and Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, as they cry after people in handcuffs were escorted by federal agents to white vans parked outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Federal agents hold back protesters as they lead handcuffed detainees into a van on South Michigan Avenue on on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez, 25th, yells at federal agents as they return to their vehicles parked nearby the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, ISAP, run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the South Loop on June 4, 2025, after the federal agents escorted people in handcuffs from the facility into vans. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, is pushed back by federal agents as they arrive to remove detainees on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) The van door closes after handcuffed detainees are loaded in by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Handcuffed detainees are led into a van by federal agents on South Michigan Avenue as protesters demonstrate on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) People hug after federal agents took away detainees in vans on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) A boy cries after his mother was taken away in a van by federal agents on June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 31A family walks away in tears after their mother was detained June 4, 2025, outside a Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the South Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Expand Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, Gov. JB Pritzker stood by the CPD response. 'Let's be clear, the Chicago police followed the law,' Pritzker said at an unrelated event. 'And yet those ICE officers were pushing people out of the way in a fashion that I don't think any of us think is right. And I have to say they overstep constantly, one time after another.' The governor is slated to testify in Washington next week during a GOP-led congressional hearing on Illinois' sanctuary policies for immigrants, just as Johnson did in March. The two of them, along with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, are being sued by the U.S. Justice Department over their jurisdictions' respective laws barring local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The upcoming City Council hearing could potentially pit the Johnson administration against progressives on the issue of policing. His choice to tap Snelling for the top cop role in 2023 was widely lauded, especially from pro-law enforcement types who worried about his earlier 'defund the police' rhetoric before he ran for mayor. Johnson has since had Snelling's back publicly as Chicago sees a drop in crime, though the superintendent has broken with the mayor on the issue of ShotSpotter and a pending teen curfew ordinance in City Council. Ald. Jessie Fuentes, a progressive who participated in the Wednesday demonstrations, told the Tribune, 'We are concerned with police officers' prolonged appearance inside of the office where individuals were detained by ICE.' 'When CPD arrived and realized what the situation was, the responding Commander should have gotten his officers out and briefed the community,' Fuentes wrote in a text. 'Instead the Responding Commander was rude to electeds, did not coordinate his officers properly and now the perception is CPD was working with ICE.' A statement from The Resurrection Project, an immigrant advocacy group, alleged that at least 20 immigrants were detained by ICE during their check-ins — and echoed Fuentes' misgivings on CPD. 'We are deeply concerned to see that Chicago police provided material assistance to ICE, making this mass deportation possible by blocking traffic and providing initial crowd control,' the Wednesday statement said. 'The only people they protected were federal agents tearing our community members away from the people who love and depend on them. This kind of collaboration is an apparent violation of the Illinois Trust Act that degrades public trust in law enforcement.' By Wednesday afternoon, elected officials, including Alds. Anthony Quezada, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez and Fuentes had joined the growing number of protesters at the ICE office. The Latino Caucus statement said 'Quezada was physically assaulted by an ICE agent—struck with a baton and thrown to the ground multiple times' while Sigcho-Lopez, Rodriguez Sanchez and Fuentes told the Tribune they were also jostled. The Tribune's Jeremy Gorner contributed reporting.
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Aldermen call for hearing into Chicago police response to ICE demonstration
Members of the City Council's Latino Caucus are calling for an investigation into how Chicago police responded to the Wednesday demonstration outside a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement office in the South Loop, where federal agents detained immigrants and clashed with aldermen. Twelve of the 14 aldermen in the caucus signed a letter condemning the high-profile showdown at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. The council's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights — which Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Andre Vasquez leads — will hold a hearing 'to examine the extent of ICE's misconduct and determine whether the Chicago Police Department played any role in (Wednesday's) actions,' according to the letter. In a Wednesday evening statement, the Police Department denied that officers aided the federal agents. 'We condemn in the strongest terms ICE's unlawful detainment practices,' the statement from Latino Caucus members read. 'We stand united in calling for a full investigation into the conduct of ICE agents involved in this operation and for the immediate release of all individuals detained under these unlawful circumstances.' Vasquez told the Tribune the committee later this month hopes to call Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson's deputy mayors Garien Gatewood and Beatriz Ponce de Leon, who oversee community safety and immigration rights, respectively. He cited 'conflicting' information on the events at the ICE office and said 'we just want to make sure that protocols are being followed properly related to CPD.' Johnson on Thursday sidestepped questions on whether he had full confidence in the police response or whether it was appropriate for City Council to probe CPD's actions. 'Look, I think it's important that we assess the entire situation,' the mayor said while speaking to reporters at a National Immigrant Heritage Month event. 'And so assessing what happened to ensure that when the actions of the federal government come up against our values, that the full force of government is showing up in an emphatic way, but in a way that upholds our Welcoming City ordinance.' Johnson then pivoted to attack an easier political target, President Donald Trump, and shouted out the protesters as 'the resistance that we need.' 'We saw armed, masked men walk down our streets in broad daylight, and they kidnapped mothers and fathers. We saw them brutalize protesters and shove crying grandmothers into the back of unmarked vans,' he said. A source who spoke with Snelling said Chicago police officers were responding to an emergency call about a safety threat and realized upon arrival that their presence could look like they were partnering with ICE. Police leadership planned to scale back, the source said, but by then a mass gathering was convening so CPD had to stay. In his Wednesday statement, Chicago police spokesperson Tom Ahern said CPD began an emergency response at the courthouse Wednesday after receiving two calls of an officer needing assistance. At the scene, Chicago police officers spoke with individuals inside the building and in the large crowd outside 'to ensure the safety of all involved, including those exercising their First Amendment rights.' 'Officers arrived without knowledge of immigration enforcement occurring at the location,' Ahern said. 'At no point did CPD assist in immigration enforcement. All actions taken by CPD during this incident were in accordance with CPD policy and the City of Chicago Municipal Code.' The upcoming City Council hearing could potentially pit the Johnson administration against progressives on the issue of policing. His choice to tap Snelling for the top cop role in 2023 was widely lauded, especially from pro-law enforcement types who worried about his earlier 'defund the police' rhetoric before he ran for mayor. Johnson has since had Snelling's back publicly as Chicago sees a drop in crime, though the superintendent has broken with the mayor on the issue of ShotSpotter and a pending teen curfew ordinance in City Council. Ald. Jessie Fuentes, a progressive who participated in the Wednesday demonstrations, told the Tribune, 'We are concerned with police officers' prolonged appearance inside of the office where individuals were detained by ICE.' 'When CPD arrived and realized what the situation was, the responding Commander should have gotten his officers out and briefed the community,' Fuentes wrote in a text. 'Instead the Responding Commander was rude to electeds, did not coordinate his officers properly and now the perception is CPD was working with ICE.' A statement from The Resurrection Project, an immigrant advocacy group, alleged that at least 20 immigrants were detained by ICE during their check-ins — and echoed Fuentes' misgivings on CPD. 'We are deeply concerned to see that Chicago police provided material assistance to ICE, making this mass deportation possible by blocking traffic and providing initial crowd control,' the Wednesday statement said. 'The only people they protected were federal agents tearing our community members away from the people who love and depend on them. This kind of collaboration is an apparent violation of the Illinois Trust Act that degrades public trust in law enforcement.' By Wednesday afternoon, elected officials, including Alds. Anthony Quezada, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez and Fuentes had joined the growing number of protesters at the ICE office. The Latino Caucus statement said 'Quezada was physically assaulted by an ICE agent—struck with a baton and thrown to the ground multiple times' while Sigcho-Lopez, Rodriguez Sanchez and Fuentes told the Tribune they were also jostled.
Politico
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Brandon Johnson gets a D.C. grilling
Good Thursday morning, Illinois. This week marks the fifth anniversary since Covid cases were first reported in Illinois. At the Hideout tonight: We're talking to Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Tickets here TOP TALKER IN THE HOT SEAT: Mayor Brandon Johnson made a strong case before a congressional committee Wednesday about why Chicago is a sanctuary city, but he was needled by Republicans about the state of the city and his recent approval ratings — including a surprise attack from Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood. 'Let me be clear: Chicago's Welcoming City ordinance and our other laws and policies do not lead to more crime. They do not prevent cooperation with federal law enforcement on criminal matters. And we do not harbor criminals. We arrest them,' Johnson told the House Oversight Committee in the nearly six-hour hearing on Capitol Hill. Republicans didn't buy it. Johnson and the mayors of New York, Denver and Boston defended themselves against combative questions that accused them of harboring criminals and ignoring federal law, which the mayors all denied. Johnson persisted. 'The welcoming city ordinance is pretty straightforward — it allows for our local law enforcement to focus on local policies. And that's why we're seeing a decline in violence,' he said about the sanctuary city status. The mayors were united, saying local ordinances don't allow local law enforcement to help federal deportation officials, but the laws don't hinder the feds, either. The reason: Communities won't trust local law enforcement if they're worried about deportation. Johnson pointed to crime being down as a reason why sanctuary city status is important. The hearing had its drama. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned New York Mayor Eric Adams, a fellow Democrat, on whether he cut a deal with the Trump administration over corruption charges hovering over him. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (a Chicago native) poked at Republicans on safety, saying, 'If you want to make us safe, pass gun reforms, stop cutting Medicaid, stop cutting cancer research, stop cutting funds for veterans.' And it got ugly when Republican Rep. Nancy Mace told Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and the others that 'you all have blood on your hands,' a reference to isolated incidents of people who have died in crimes by undocumented immigrants. Johnson weathered the attacks by Republicans who accused him of being 'a failing mayor' and telling him 'you suck at answering questions.' But it was LaHood who got unusually personal, accusing the mayor of being 'tone deaf' and 'oblivious' about the 'decline of Chicago.' Johnson replied that 'violent crime is down in Chicago' only to be interrupted by LaHood, who said 'no one in this room should be surprised that your approval rating is 6.6 percent.' The mayor ignored the insult and ticked off the investments in housing and youth employment. After more back and forth, Johnson kept it classy, saying, 'I'm willing to work with you, and I'm glad I had a chance to finally meet you for the first time.' There were friendly Democrats in the room, too, including Illinois Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Danny Davis. It was during that line of questioning that Johnson propped up the good stuff about Chicago in an effort to counter the oppressive view Republicans painted. REAX: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor who advised Johnson ahead of the hearing, criticized Republicans, saying they 'are desperate to create a sideshow so that the American public doesn't know the truth. The truth is the Republicans have no solutions for inflation. …. When you attack cities, you attack America.' MORE HEADLINES Dems struggle to deflect GOP attacks on immigration, from the Hill to the border, by POLITICO's Hailey Fuchs and your Playbook host Johnson's testimony was so scripted, it appeared to neither help nor hurt him. He simply got through it, by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman and Mitchell Armentrout Mayors made case that sanctuary status makes cities safer, by Fox 32's Paris Schutz Johnson was able to land some cheeky responses, too: When Rep. Nancy Mace asked him whether he hates Trump more than he loves his country, Johnson said, 'As a son of a pastor, I love everyone — and this country,' by the Tribune's Alice Yin. The mayor wouldn't be bullied, with video of the mayor talking to reporters after the hearing, by ABC 7's Lissette Nuñez, Craig Wall and Sarah Schulte There was a theater element to it all, reports NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern THE BUZZ FROM SPRINGFIELD | Legislative revenue estimate is more than $700M lower than Pritzker's proposed budget: This raises questions about how much money will be available during this year's budget negotiations. 'Forecasters predict revenue growth in the current fiscal year will miss the mark,' by Capitol News' Ben Szalinski. If you are Michelle Wu, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At Champaign Centennial High School at 11 a.m. to amplify a proposal to ban cellphones in school classrooms WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni At the Hilton Chicago to give remarks at the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ THE STATEWIDES — State lawmakers brace for possible federal cuts to Medicaid: 'Democrats warn of widespread consequences; Republicans call hearings 'performative,'' by Capitol News' Peter Hancock and Jade Aubrey. — Illinois sees drops in opioid and drug overdose deaths for the first time since 2018: 'In all, 3,502 people died from an overdose in Illinois in 2023, which is 317 fewer than in 2022, data show,' by the Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles. — Illinois returns to market with Build Illinois bonds: 'Illinois will sell $725 million of junior obligation tax-exempt sales tax revenue bonds in a competitive deal pricing on Tuesday,' by Bond Buyer's Jennifer Shea. — Republicans push for special master in Illinois redistricting lawsuit: In their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois' legislative map, 'Republicans have requested that the Illinois Supreme Court appoint a special master to redraw the map,' via WICS — Trump's tariff ripple effect: 'From breweries to farms, businesses are bracing for higher costs as well as product and supply chain disruptions — and the hits could affect what consumers pay,' by the Sun-Times' Abby Miller. CHICAGO — Aldermen say Veterans Affairs abruptly puts hold on outreach program, by the Tribune's Talia Soglin and Jake Sheridan — As big costs loom, Chicago's school board plans to amend its budget. But questions remain, by Chalkbeat's Reema Amin and Becky Vevea COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Robert Crimo III signs trial waiver 'Donald Trump' after pleading guilty to Highland Park parade shooting: Experts say his guilty plea should stand. 'He can sign Mickey Mouse or Donald Trump,' said law professor Richard Kling. What matters, he said, is that there is a transcript of Crimo orally pleading guilty, which Crimo did, by the Sun-Times' David Struett. — Evanston candidates Suffredin, Chow jab at each other's ethics in Sixth Ward race, by the Pioneer Press' Richard Requena — Niles village trustees approve water hike to align with inflation, consider TIF giveaways for project, by the Pioneer Press' Alan Kozeluh BUSINESS OF POLITICS ON THE TOWN (HALL): Two Illinois Democrats joined in online town halls Wednesday night, a day after President Donald Trump gave a controversial and partisan speech to Congress, claiming 'America is back.' Flooding the zone: Their appearances are part of an effort to talk to Democrats on new platforms about standing up to the new administration. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski took part in a national town hall saying, 'We need to be showing up' in communities and 'meeting people where they are' to talk about economic issues such as the price of food, child care and gas. Budzkinski joined House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin on the call. Congressman Mike Quigley held his own town hall, answering vetted questions and encouraging participants to get involved by protesting, calling their local and federal lawmakers and becoming overall engaged. Reader Digest We asked for your take on community colleges offering four-year degrees. Steve Brown: 'It will benefit every region of the state AND ease problems like the nursing shortage.' Leah Brennan: 'It increases accessibility because it's affordable, dispels the myth that community college is 'less than' and prevents brain drain to other states.' David Druker: 'Gives more status to community colleges who are already doing a very good job at less cost.' Mike Gascoigne: 'Increased access to education is good.' Elizabeth Grisanzio: 'It can create a more equitable and responsive higher education system.' Charles Keller: 'For most, it would be a better education than a university.' Jim Lyons: 'For people on a tight budget, it makes sense.' Jaylin McClinton: 'It opens the door to more opportunity for Illinoisans with accessibility, geographic or financial constraints around attending a traditional four-year program.' Enza Raineri: 'It should be more affordable for students and families.' Timothy Thomas: 'Stay in your lane.' Patricia Ann Watson: 'It will chill the price creep, add competition and affordable options, and open up opportunities for non-traditional, less resourced and rural students.' Next question: In spite of its bad rap, what do you like about Facebook? Email skapos@ THE NATIONAL TAKE — How Trump's whipsaw trade agenda is threatening economic growth, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton — Supreme Court rebuffs Trump in fight over foreign aid bills, by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney — America's friends are not amused by Trump's bravado, by POLITICO's Nahal Toosi Transitions — Emily Soong is now VP of public affairs and communications at Magnify Strategies. She most recently was traveling press secretary for Tim Walz on the Harris for President campaign. Prior to the campaign, she was press secretary for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. — Steven Weinhoeft has been appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois by Attorney General Pam Bondi, by KSDK's Sam Clancy — Suzet McKinney, who has led Sterling Bay's push into life sciences over the past four years, has parted ways with the real estate developer. McKinney previously was the Illinois Medical District CEO, by Crain's Danny Ecker. TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Nadine O'Leary for correctly answering that James 'Pate' Philip was a bread salesman before he was a state legislator. TODAY's QUESTION: What was the first Illinois-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Eli's Cheesecake President Marc Schulman, city Project Manager Art Andros, Rep. Bill Foster's outreach coordinator Hannah Cook, nonprofit leader Rachelle Jervis, political consultant Daniel Muñoz and Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel -30-
Axios
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
What's at stake if we lose sanctuary city laws
Dropping sanctuary rules in Chicago would trigger big changes, according to both supporters and opponents. Why it matters: The city and state are facing intense scrutiny from the Trump administration and a federal lawsuit for our local policies. The issue will be thrust into a national spotlight Wednesday when Mayor Brandon Johnson defends the policies before the U.S. House oversight committee, along with mayors from Denver, Boston and New York. Defining terms: Chicago's Welcoming City ordinance and Illinois' TRUST Act generally: Prohibit local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration law, except when federal agents present a criminal warrant issued by a judge. Bar police from arresting or holding anybody based on immigration status, an ICE warrant or a hold request. Ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, can access city services including education, medical care and police protections. These laws don't prohibit local law enforcement from arresting anyone suspected of violating state or local laws. Sanctuary city supporters say removing protections would hurt the city, not just the individuals involved, because it would discourage local undocumented people from reporting crime and cooperating with police; going to school, work and doctors appointments; supporting businesses; and getting things like car insurance. Yes, but: It's difficult to gauge how much school attendance has already been affected by recent threats. A Chicago Public Schools official told Axios by phone the district doesn't have weekly and daily attendance information and the CPS FOIA officer also denied Axios' open records request for the data. What they're saying: We'd likely see "emboldened ICE operations and explicit profiling, as well as increasing mistrust between immigrant communities and local police," Fred Tsao of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights tells Axios. "It would feed into an atmosphere of fear rather than being welcoming. That said, local police could still choose not to prioritize ICE cooperation, but if the feds require police to cooperate, local police won't have a choice." Meanwhile, Ald. Ray Lopez wants to preserve the Welcoming City ordinance but with one amendment that allows the CPD to assist ICE in apprehending "individuals who choose to commit criminal acts," Lopez tells Axios. "I think it would reduce crime, help communities feel safer, and take the bullseye off the undocumented community, as the Trump administration continues to go after dangerous non-citizens," he says. "There's 100% focus on cities like Chicago because we refuse to do this, and that's putting everyone in a state of panic." Reality check: The City Council failed to pass a measure that would have made that change earlier this year. The other side: Republican Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison wants sanctuary policies dropped entirely. It "would benefit public safety and encourage more individuals here illegally to return to their home countries and follow the legal process for citizenship," he tells Axios. "I do not believe it would discourage victims from speaking with law enforcement, as protections exist to ensure victims and witnesses can safely report crimes. Additionally, reducing school overcrowding and the financial strain on taxpayers — who are already supporting critical services for our own citizens — is not a bad thing." What we're watching: How New York City's partial cooperation with the Trump administration on deportation issues affects Mayor Eric Adams' treatment at this week's hearings and funding to the city.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago: North suburban schools prepare for potential immigration raids
CHICAGO — North suburban school districts, as well as Oakton College in the north suburbs, are communicating with students about potential immigration raids after President Donald Trump's administration cleared the way, in a reversal of previous policy at the federal level, for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to carry out arrests in areas deemed sensitive, such as schools and houses of worship. Illinois public schools are subject to the Illinois Trust Act, a 2017 law that prevents ICE agents from entering schools unless they have a signed judicial warrant. The law also bars schools from asking about families' immigration status. Kalman Resnick, a Chicago-area immigration attorney, told Pioneer Press that it's unlikely that immigration agents will attempt to detain students in school. 'I don't think it's a priority (for the Trump administration) right now. They're prioritizing people who are already in the process of deportation, either because they either have an outstanding order of deportation, or they have a criminal conviction,' he said. Resnick said a federal judge would have to sign off on a judicial warrant for immigration agents to enter a school. Some undocumented immigrants in the Chicago area have reported feeling anxiety at the possibility of immigration raids. Some are consequently staying home from school, work and places of worship. Resnick said while it is possible for immigration raids to occur while a parent is taking their child to school, anyone can use their right to remain silent. If a student is detained at school, the student has a right to a deportation hearing before a judge where they could request to be released under the payment of a bond, Resnick said. Many north suburban school districts have released statements or plans regarding immigration raids, as follows. According to Oakton College's Communications Manager Ewa Lyczewska, the community college released a statement to its students after President Donald Trump's inauguration saying the school is committed to a safe learning environment. 'Oakton has shared information with… students to make them aware of available resources and support for DACA and undocumented students,' the statement said. The college offered links to resources for undocumented and DACA students on its website. When asked if federal immigration agents can gain access to the college's campuses in Skokie and Des Plaines, Lycwzewka said both campuses are open to the public. She added that Oakton's Police Department will only assist federal agents if they are presented with a valid criminal warrant with probable cause for arrest. During Trump's first term, Skokie's Village Board approved amendments to its Human Relations code that bear similarities to a Welcoming City ordinance. The village also approved a resolution to deny access to immigration agents seeking to enter public schools, universities and healthcare facilities without a warrant. In response to a slew of questions regarding Trump's executive orders, Niles Township High School District 219's Director of Communications Takumi Iseda said, 'D219 continues to align with the Illinois State Board of Education regarding standards for instruction as well as immigration guidance.' Skokie School District 73.5 sent two letters to families from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23 saying the district is adhering to the Trust Act and will take steps to validate warrants. 'We have provided guidance to principals and the appropriate school-based staff regarding student rights and protections, how to handle interactions with ICE or CBP, and how to protect students who may have a parent or guardian who has been detained by ICE or CBP during the school day,' one of the letters said. In addition, the district will use its legal counsel to verify warrants presented to schools in the district. 'Without a signed judicial warrant, no official will be allowed into the school building at any time,' the district's letter said. The letter also gave instruction on how to update students' emergency contacts. Skokie School District 68's Superintendent Scott Grens sent a similar letter to families on Jan. 28. 'Children cannot be denied access to free public education based on their or their families' immigration status. Schools cannot share student information with authorities unless presented with a lawful court order signed by a judge,' it said. In a January letter from East Prairie School District 73 Superintendent Paul Goldberg to families in the district, Goldberg said the school's administration, and if necessary legal counsel, will review court orders. The district also offered resources student support, psychological help and guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education. Evanston Township High School Superintendent Marcus Campbell wrote two letters to families on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27. 'ETHS will not allow any immigration enforcement activities to disrupt the school's learning environment,' Campbell said in his Jan. 20 letter. On Jan. 27, after Trump overturned ICE policy that directed agents to not conduct enforcement operations at schools, houses of worship, hospitals and other placed deemed sensitive, Campbell released another letter to families. 'Federal stances and policies may continue to evolve, but ETHS remains firmly grounded in our core values as both an institution and a community. We are committed to our ongoing work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all of our students,' it said. On Jan. 21 Evanston-Skokie District School District 65 Superintendent Angel Turner sent out a letter to district families saying, 'All schools are considered safe havens for students and families threatened by immigration enforcement, to the fullest extent permitted by law.' According to her letter, Turner will review all warrants related to immigration enforcement. Nicole Dizon, the director of communications and alumni relations for New Trier Township High School District 203, shared a statement. 'The District has not been contacted regarding current ICE enforcement actions.. state and federal law and School Board policy prohibit the district from disclosing identifying student information, such as a student's or family's immigration status,' the statement said. 'New Trier is committed to providing quality education to students regardless of their immigration status or that of a family member.' Glenbrook High School District 225's Executive Director of Communications Carol Smith said the district is in the process of reviewing the president's executive orders while also following state laws. Glenview Community Consolidated School District 34′s Executive Director of Communications & Strategic Planning Rebecca Latham echoed Smith's remarks. 'District 34 is reviewing the Executive Order while also continuing to follow the state law currently in place,' Latham said. ____
