Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Opposes Deployment of Federal Agents to Chicago
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights strongly opposes the mobilization of National Guard troops and deployment of federal agents to Chicago under the guise of addressing public safety concerns. This unprecedented abuse of power and militarized presence threatens the civil rights of Chicagoans and poses a harmful threat to communities of color.
This administration’s invasion of Chicago is not about addressing crime. In fact, the data shows that this summer, Chicago has had the lowest violent crime rate we have seen in 60 years. Deploying federal agents raises significant concerns about the impact this will have on all Chicago residents, particularly communities of color who are already disproportionately targeted by over-policing and the criminal legal system. This decision will create further harm rather than create safety.
If the federal administration was genuinely interested in helping to address crime, they would invest resources in community-based initiatives that are designed to address root causes, including job training and after school-programming, and would support what we know builds safe and healthy communities - a strong public education system and stable affordable housing. Instead, we see this administration attacking these very programs and funding for efforts that would actually make our communities safer.
Our state and local governments, community-based organizations, and other leaders continue the hard work toward real solutions to our city’s challenges that will make communities stronger. Utilizing this type of federal force incites fear, wastes resources, and undermines our democracy.
“Sending federal forces to Chicago is not about public safety but rather a political play that puts our communities at risk of having their civil rights violated,” said Aneel Chablani, Vice President and Legal Director with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. “If this administration was sincerely concerned about our public safety, they would instead support the long-term investments that are designed to make communities safer and stronger.”
Here’s what you need to know:
ACLU of Illinois has shared important Know Your Rights information that can be found here.
For important hotline information on who to call if you encounter any issues, click here.
Please also note there are upcoming community trainings on information sharing listed here if you would like to attend!
For immigration-related arrests or if you believe that you are witnessing ICE activity, you can call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights 24-hour family support hotline: 855-435-7693
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights stands with residents, communities, civic leaders, and state and local government officials, in pushing back against these unwelcome, unnecessary, and un-American actions.