Rep. Kelly statement on anti-ICE protests in Chicago

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released a statement following peaceful protests in Chicago against the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE):

"Yesterday, thousands of people exercised their constitutional right to peacefully assemble in Chicago to defend their immigrant neighbors. Unlawful detentions and arrests by ICE in the city have caused fear, chaos and untold grief in immigrant communities. The separation of families and random deportation quotas are cruel. I will continue to defend the human dignity of those who choose to call Illinois their home and the civil rights of protestors.

"As protests in Chicago continue to remain peaceful, I warn against any similar actions taken by President Trump in Los Angeles. He deployed the Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles, calling protestors 'violent, insurrectionist mobs.' Where was the National Guard when MAGA extremists stormed the Capitol? I still remember crawling on my hands and knees on the House gallery with my colleagues as we escaped on January 6 - that was a violent insurrection. President Trump needs to stop escalating the situation in Los Angeles and pull out the Marines and National Guard. These abuses of power against our democracy would not be welcomed in Chicago."