WATCH NOW: Chicago Business, Civic, Faith, and Nonprofit Leaders Join Forces to Denounce Federal Immigration Operation
A group of more than 30 business, civic, faith, and nonprofit leaders from across Chicago recently came together to denounce the federal immigration operation that has played out in recent months across the city and surrounding suburbs.
United for Chicago was formed to directly oppose “Operation Midway Blitz,” which started in early September. Metropolitan Family Services was one of several nonprofit organizations standing in solidarity with the collective.
In a full page ad taken out in the Chicago Tribune, leaders with United for Chicago stated, “In recent weeks, we have witnessed an unprecedented militarization of our city. Masked and armed ICE and Border Patrol agents have aggressively targeted our neighbors, peaceful protesters and even members of the press corps. They have forcefully arrested individuals, deployed tear gas on innocent bystanders, and used methods of intimidation to incite fear, chaos and panic across our city. Let us be clear: these enforcement tactics are dangerous, harmful and disregard the core principles we as Chicagoans hold dear.”
The statement continues, “What we are seeing across Chicago communities transcends partisan politics and calls on us as business, civic, and faith leaders to unite and defend our neighbors and city. The tactics being used by ICE have real consequences — for civil rights, individuals and families, our economy and workforce, and our mutual safety and stability.”
“Local businesses are losing employees. Restaurants sit empty. Workers and customers alike stay home rather than risk arrest. The fear created by indiscriminate enforcement ripples through our entire city, affecting us all.”
While there have been conflicting reports on if or when the operation will begin to wind down, some officials allege that federal agents could be leaving soon. However, there is also talk of a return in March.
United for Chicago is hoping to enlist more local and national business leaders to denounce these actions.
Video courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago