Introduction to the Conflict
Less than 24 hours after federal agents intentionally plowed into an SUV and tear-gassed a crowd in a residential neighborhood on the Southeast Side, community organizers presented a clear message. “Leave our city. You are not welcome here,” Olga Bautista, vice president of the Chicago Board of Education, said at a news conference Wednesday morning. “We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our labor allies, our schools, our faith leaders and our neighbors, “Bautista said. “We will protect our young people and we will demand accountability and justice.”
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Tuesday’s incident, which escalated after federal agents rammed into an SUV at 105th Street and Avenue N, resulted in agents using pepper balls, hurling smoke grenades and deploying at least three rounds of tear gas despite children and older adults being in the area. Four protesters were also detained. This aggressive action by federal agents has sparked outrage and fear among the community, with many feeling that their rights and safety are being violated.
Community Response and Support
Another organizer at the 45-minute event was Ana Guajardo, executive director of the United Workers Center, Centro De Trabajadores Unidos, where the gathering was held at 9805 S. Ewing Ave. “ICE has continued to come to our community to terrorize, intimidate and create fear among our members,” Guajardo said. “We will continue to organize and advocate for those who are affected, as we see not only undocumented people are being targeted, but also people of color are being racially profiled by these unjust actions.” The community is coming together to support each other and to demand that federal agents cease their aggressive tactics.
Government Response
At an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker called on federal agents “to back off” and suggested their use of chemical irritants may have violated a court order barring them from using riot control weapons without issuing warnings. “ICE is causing this mayhem,” Pritzker said. “They’re the ones who are tossing tear gas when people are peacefully protesting. ICE is the one who’s going into neighborhoods where they frankly are causing fear among people who live in those neighborhoods, work in those neighborhoods. So they need to back off.” The governor’s statement reflects the growing concern among local authorities about the actions of federal agents in the community.
Knowing Your Rights
Organizers stressed the importance of residents — both documented and undocumented — knowing their rights when they encounter federal agents, including the right to record, to ask for an attorney, to remain silent and to refuse to sign documentation unless reviewed by a lawyer. “It doesn’t matter if you’re undocumented, you still have rights,” Oscar Franco, an immigration attorney with Centro de Trabajadores Unidos, said. “When people know their rights, ICE tends to leave as opposed to people who are unaware.” This knowledge is crucial for community members to protect themselves and their families from unjust treatment.
Preparing for the Worst
Franco also urged community members to “create a plan B for their children” if they are detained and carry copies of passports, birth certificates and naturalization certificates if they are documented and stopped by agents. “There is no guarantee that ICE won’t detain you even if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, but having these documentations on you can speed up the process of you being free from detention,” Franco said. Being prepared and having a plan in place can help mitigate the trauma and disruption caused by ICE actions.
Community Support and Resources
Community advocates urge those who see ICE in their area to call 855-435-7693. This hotline provides a vital resource for community members who are encountering federal agents and need immediate support and guidance. By looking out for one another and utilizing available resources, the community can build resilience and resistance against unjust actions.
Conclusion
The situation on the Southeast Side highlights the tense relationship between federal agents and local communities, particularly those with high concentrations of undocumented residents. The call for federal agents to leave the city is a powerful statement of resistance and a demand for respect for human rights and dignity. As the community continues to organize and advocate for itself, it is clear that the struggle for justice and accountability will be ongoing.
FAQs
- Q: What happened on the Southeast Side?
A: Federal agents plowed into an SUV and tear-gassed a crowd in a residential neighborhood, leading to widespread outrage and calls for them to leave the city. - Q: What are the rights of residents when encountering federal agents?
A: Residents have the right to record, to ask for an attorney, to remain silent, and to refuse to sign documentation unless reviewed by a lawyer, regardless of their documentation status. - Q: How can community members prepare for potential detention?
A: Community members can prepare by creating a plan for their children, carrying important documents, and knowing their rights when interacting with federal agents. - Q: What resource is available for community members who encounter ICE?
A: Community members can call 855-435-7693 for support and guidance if they encounter ICE in their area.
