CHICAGO - Following an ICE detainment outside of Decatur Classical School in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement:
“Despite executive orders signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson prohibiting ICE detainments on city-owned property, federal agents detained an employee on Chicago Public School property during school hours.
“No child, parent, staff member, administrator or teacher should have to worry about ICE detaining their family or friends while on school property. Schools are meant to be a safe-haven of learning – not an easy target for ICE agents to find someone to detain that fits their narrative.
“I am continuing to closely monitor the situation alongside community rapid response groups, organizations such as the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, local law enforcement agencies as well as my colleagues.”
Individuals are encouraged to stay informed and empowered by following trusted local organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) or the Indo-American Center (IAC) on social media for the latest updates and resources.
If you or a loved one are concerned about potential federal agency enforcement actions, please review the resources 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 org/resourcehub#KYR
- Know your rights: Attend community workshops and discussions to learn more about your rights, and what to do in case of an emergency. Visit their website or social media to stay informed of upcoming events.
- Connect with the ICIRR Family Support Network: Visit icirr.org/fsn or call the Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
Languages available: English, Spanish, Korean, Polish
Hotline Call Options:
- Report TRUST Act violations
- Report ICE activity or get support locating someone in ICE custody
- Connect with an immigration attorney
- Get information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Access health care resources for immigrants and refugees
- Learn about public charge updates
- Get help with workplace rights, issues or safety for immigrants
