Representing diverse communities, faiths, generations, and perspectives throughout Chicago, more than 30 business, civic, faith, higher education and philanthropic leaders united for a press conference on Friday, Nov. 7 to denounce tactics used by ICE across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
Speakers highlighted how ICE’s tactics not only cause harm to residents and neighbors, but have real consequences for the city’s economy, workforce and the safety and stability of communities.
More than 30 business, civic, faith, high education, and philanthropic leaders joined the conference including Jack Lavin (Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce), Ric Estrada (Metropolitan Family Services), Arne Duncan (CRED Chicago, former U.S. Secretary of Education), and Rebecca Shi (American Business Immigration Council. View the full list of leaders below.
The leaders signed onto an open letter denouncing tactics used by ICE and calling for unity:
Dear Chicago,
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 protestors 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.
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 our 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 all of us.
When enforcement actions target people based on appearance rather than evidence, when they happen at schools and workplaces without regard for due process or other proper legal procedure, our entire city suffers. These tactics are not American justice. These tactics don’t make us safer. These tactics weaken the very fabric of this city we love so much.
As the undersigned leaders, we represent diverse communities, faiths, generations, sectors of our economy and perspectives from across Chicago. We are united in opposing these extreme enforcement methods that cause long term harm to our city. While immigration policy is complex and opinions differ, we agree on this: these tactics are not welcome in our city.
Together, we reaffirm what has always made our city strong – our compassion, our courage, and our commitment to one another.
United for Chicago