Congressman García’s Statement on Immigration Enforcement Operation in Chicago

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement about the immigration enforcement operation in Chicago yesterday:

"As a proud immigrant and representative of one of the most diverse immigrant districts in the country, it is both heart-wrenching and infuriating to see families being ripped apart by a cruel immigration system with outdated, draconian laws. In the wake of increased federal immigration raids across the Chicagoland region and the country, we must remind every community member that they have rights, regardless of status.

"I commend the lawyers, public servants, and advocates who sprang into action yesterday as federal agents executed a targeted operation in Chicago. There is no justification for armed, masked federal agents treating peaceful parents and neighbors like dangerous people. Many of these families fled this very kind of abuse.The operation that occurred yesterday was unnecessary, cruel, and anti-American.

"We will not ignore the deceitful tactics used to spread fear in immigrant communities. We will not stay silent on the harassment of immigrant communities, the weaponization of the law, and the flouting of civil rights in service of a racist and white nationalist political agenda.

"My office is helping connect families to legal assistance and doing everything we can to denounce the abuse and defend immigrant communities every step of the way. We must do everything in our power to keep families together and ensure all immigrants are treated with the dignity they deserve."

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