Statement by Congressman García, Local Elected Officials on Illegal Detentions at Bridgeview Courthouse

CHICAGO, IL - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), State Senators Celina Villanueva, Javier Loera Cervantes, State Representatives Abdelnasser Rashid, Norma Hernandez, Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Aarón M. Ortíz Theresa Mah, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, Alderperson Mike Rodriguez, Alderwomen Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and Julia Ramirez, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, Chicago School Board Member Yesenia Lopez, District Councilor Elianne "Ely" Bahena, and Summit Public Library Board President Yareli Cortez, issued the following statement regarding the illegal detentions conducted by ICE at the Bridgeview Courthouse:

"Yesterday, federal immigration agents conducted unlawful arrests at the Bridgeview Courthouse. Despite state and local laws prohibiting civil arrests at courthouses without a judicial warrant, these agents detained three people, including a woman and a small child. At no point did they present a warrant. Video evidence shows local law enforcement officers seemingly assisting with a violent arrest and even shaking hands with a federal agent afterward. Once again, ICE is illegally kidnapping people at our courthouses and local law enforcement officers seemingly helping them do it. Our community is sick and tired of criminality and the impunity. We demand a thorough and independent investigation of this matter, and accountability for all violations of our laws."

# # #