Pritzker, Chicago Officials Vow to Protect Immigrant Communities Amid Trump’s Deportation Pledge
Chicago’s Immigrant Communities Fearful of Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan
The City of Chicago and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are vowing to protect immigrant communities as President Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportation continues to make waves. Part of Trump’s executive orders concerning immigration would allow immigration arrests to be made in “sensitive locations” like churches and schools, which for more than a decade have been off-limits.
Protecting Immigrant Communities
Chicago Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights Beatriz Ponce De León said the city won’t bend when it comes to protecting the city’s hardworking immigrant communities. Ponce De León put out an information blitz Tuesday on resources people can use, and city planners are also running table-top exercises to prepare for what could come.
“Our Corporation Counsel provided guidance to departments,” Ponce De León said. “Our deputy mayor of community safety has also been working closely with the Chicago Police Department.”
Resources for Immigrants
Ponce De León also says the Cook County Public Defender’s Office has an immigration division that provides legal support. Additionally, Chicago Public Schools has been informing principals that ICE agents are not allowed in schools unless they have a signed federal warrant, while CTA issued directives to workers stating they don’t have the authority to provide consent for a search.
State Legislators Call for Cooperation
However, state legislators in Springfield are calling for more cooperation between the federal government and local police to protect communities from crime. In a written statement, Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) said:
“Public safety is not a partisan issue, and Democrats must work to cooperate with federal efforts to remove people who are not here legally and have criminal records.”
Chicago Police Reminded They Can’t Cooperate with Deportations
Pritzker said it’s been a long-standing U.S. policy to deport undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes, but he added that deporting law-abiding immigrants who work, pay taxes and raise families causes more harm than good.
Pritzker’s Stance
According to Pritzker, there has been no communication with ICE officials on timing for any potential Chicago raids, but he said there’s been talk about the federal government targeting about 2,000 undocumented individuals in Chicago alone.
Conclusion
As the threat of mass deportation looms, Chicago officials are vowing to protect the city’s immigrant communities. While state legislators are calling for cooperation between the federal government and local police, Pritzker and city officials are emphasizing the importance of protecting law-abiding immigrants who contribute to the community.
FAQs
* What is Trump’s mass deportation plan?
+ Trump’s plan would allow immigration arrests to be made in “sensitive locations” like churches and schools, which for more than a decade have been off-limits.
* What is the Trust Act?
+ The Trust Act is a law that bars Illinois law enforcement from engaging in immigration enforcement.
* What resources are available to immigrants in Chicago?
+ The Cook County Public Defender’s Office has an immigration division that provides legal support, and Chicago Public Schools has informed principals that ICE agents are not allowed in schools unless they have a signed federal warrant.
* What is Pritzker’s stance on deportation?
+ Pritzker believes that deporting law-abiding immigrants who work, pay taxes and raise families causes more harm than good, and that the city will not bend when it comes to protecting the city’s hardworking immigrant communities.
