Provided by the 26th Ward
This week, we witnessed an alarming escalation of ICE activity in Humboldt Park. The very first call I responded to was outside Rico Fresh on Armitage and Central Park, where ICE agents threw tear gas and pepper-sprayed customers, rapid response volunteers, and neighbors walking out of the grocery store. Passing drivers were forced to pull over, blinded by the gas that burned their eyes.
Shortly after, I received another call from Humboldt Park Health, where ICE agents chased a neighbor with such force that he broke his leg. When my staff and I entered the emergency room, we found ICE. I asked to see a judicial warrant for the man. Instead of answering, federal agents aggressively shoved me, handcuffed me, and threatened arrest simply for exercising a constitutional right. They released me only after I insisted on knowing the law they believed I had broken. The truth is, I had broken none. I refused to leave the hospital until I knew that our neighbor received the medical care he deserved and was connected to an attorney so he would not disappear while in federal custody.
I would like to thank the rapid responders, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, BUILD, and all the organizations that recognize that this, too, is part of violence prevention work. I also want to thank the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights for showing up and standing by our community in this moment of violence.
How you can get involved:
• Join our Rapid Response Network to receive alerts and show up when ICE is spotted in our neighborhoods.
• Volunteer to canvass with Know Your Rights materials so families understand their protections.
• Call the Family Support Hotline (855-435-7693) to become a community responder.
• Check in with local schools and nonprofits to see what resources and support they need at this moment.
I will continue to stand with you because in Chicago and the 26th Ward, WE KEEP US SAFE.
