Introduction to the Hearing

The Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee is set to hold a hearing Tuesday to discuss if Chicago police violated the city’s welcoming ordinance.

CHICAGO — The hearing comes after an incident on June 4, where officers were called to a scene of a large crowd in the city’s South Loop.

Background of the Incident

Protesters had gathered outside the BI Incorporated building, located on the 2200 block of South Michigan Avenue, after learning people were ordered to show up to that location for an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) check-in — but were detained instead. This hearing Tuesday will focus on the Chicago Police Department’s involvement in these arrests.

ICE Arrests and Protest

ICE arrests at immigration supervision building in Chicago’s South Loop spark protest, advocates speak out. Police and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office are now being asked to hand over all data and communications for CPD’s presence from that day.

City Ordinance and Police Involvement

The city’s ordinance prohibits city agencies from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement. Police say they had no knowledge of immigration enforcement happening at that location. However, they talked to people inside the building and those in the crowd who gathered outside. Police say their goal was to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Eyewitness Accounts

WGN News witnessed nine women led into a white van, but it was unclear how many people were arrested as part of the operation. Chicago police released a statement after the incident that reads, in part: “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, including the Welcoming City Ordinance. No arrests were made by CPD and the crowd dispersed without incident.”

Committee Investigation

The committee will also look at CPD’s protocols for ICE enforcement operations. The investigation aims to determine if the Chicago Police Department followed the city’s welcoming ordinance during the incident.

Conclusion

The hearing is a crucial step in ensuring that the city’s welcoming ordinance is upheld and that the rights of immigrants and refugees are protected. The committee’s investigation will help to determine if the Chicago Police Department’s actions were in line with the city’s policies and ordinances.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the hearing?
A: The hearing is to discuss if Chicago police violated the city’s welcoming ordinance during an ICE raid in the South Loop.
Q: What happened on June 4?
A: Protesters gathered outside the BI Incorporated building after learning people were ordered to show up for an ISAP check-in but were detained instead.
Q: What is the city’s ordinance on immigration enforcement?
A: The city’s ordinance prohibits city agencies from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement.
Q: What did the police say about their involvement?
A: Police say they had no knowledge of immigration enforcement happening at that location and their goal was to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Q: What will the committee investigate?
A: The committee will investigate CPD’s protocols for ICE enforcement operations and determine if the Chicago Police Department followed the city’s welcoming ordinance during the incident.