Villanueva-backed law to protect access to Illinois courthouses

• HB 1312

CHICAGO — As part of a sweeping civil rights package responding to recent federal actions in immigrant and working-class communities, a proposal spearheaded by State Senator Villanueva to protect the right of all Illinois residents to safely access courthouses without fear of harassment, detention or intimidation has become law.

“Courthouses are meant to serve as pillars of justice, not places of fear,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “In my district and across Chicago, families, survivors of violence, and immigrant residents have been skipping court dates out of fear that showing up could put them in danger. That is not justice. By enacting this law, Illinois is making it clear that no one should be intimidated out of exercising their rights.”

Read more: Villanueva-backed law to protect access to Illinois courthouses

Villanueva introduces measure to protect courthouse access and uphold justice for all

CHICAGO — As part of a sweeping civil rights package responding to recent federal actions in immigrant and working-class communities, State Senator Celina Villanueva was instrumental in passing legislation through the Senate to ensure every person can safely access Illinois courthouses without fear of harassment, detention or intimidation.

“No one should have to choose between seeking justice and risking their freedom,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villanueva introduces measure to protect courthouse access and uphold justice for all

Villanueva responde después de que agentes federales fueron vistos cerca de una escuela primaria cercana

CHICAGO – La senadora estatal Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) denuncia la continua intimidación federal después de que el martes por la tarde se vieran varios vehículos identificados como agentes de ICE estacionados frente a una escuela primaria, frente a su oficina del distrito.

“Ayer por la tarde, los agentes se posicionaron en el estacionamiento de la escuela y en el callejón, minutos antes de que los niños salieran de los programas extraescolares. Su tiempo y presencia no fueron una casualidad. Fueron intencionales y tenían como objetivo causar caos y miedo en el corazón de nuestra comunidad.

“Testigos reportaron que manejaron de forma errática, casi chocando contra mi oficina del distrito, poniendo en peligro a los residentes y al personal. Estos agentes no están actuando en el mejor interés del público, están aterrorizando a los vecindarios, no protegiéndolos. También nos enteramos de que una persona fue detenida en la calle 26, lo que aumentó aún más el pánico y la confusión que estas acciones claramente buscaban crear.

“Nuestras escuelas no son campos de batalla. Los niños no deberían tener que pasar junto a agentes armados para llegar a casa. Los padres no deberían tener que temer que los vehículos federales estacionados fuera de una escuela supongan un peligro para sus familias. Esto es intimidación, y no tiene lugar en nuestras comunidades.

“Me puse inmediatamente en contacto con las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago para proteger a los estudiantes y al personal. Por suerte, los agentes se fueron poco después, y el personal de mi oficina y la comunidad escolar están bien. Pero el hecho de que esto haya pasado es inaceptable.

“Exijo que se asuman responsabilidades y que se acaben estos actos irresponsables que ponen en peligro nuestros barrios. Nuestros hijos merecen seguridad, no vigilancia. Nuestra comunidad merece paz, no provocaciones.”

Villanueva responds after federal agents spotted near local elementary school

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is calling out the continued pattern of federal intimidation after multiple vehicles identified as belonging to ICE agents were seen parked across from an elementary school, across from her district office, Tuesday afternoon.

“Late yesterday afternoon, agents were positioned in the school’s parking lot and alley, minutes before children were released from after-school programs. Their timing and presence were not coincidental. They were intentional and meant to cause chaos and fear in the heart of our community.

“Witnesses reported erratic driving, nearly ramming into my district office, putting residents and staff in danger. These agents are not acting in the public’s best interest, they are terrorizing neighborhoods, not protecting them. We are also hearing that an individual was picked up along 26th Street, further escalating the panic and confusion these actions were clearly designed to create.

“Our schools are not battlegrounds. Children should not have to walk past armed agents to get home. Parents should not have to fear that federal vehicles outside a school mean danger for their families. This is intimidation, plain and simple, and it has no place in our communities.

“I immediately contacted Chicago Public Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Thankfully, the agents dispersed soon after, and my office staff and the school community are safe. But the fact that this occurred at all is unacceptable.

“I am demanding accountability and an end to these reckless acts that endanger our neighborhoods. Our children deserve safety, not surveillance. Our community deserves peace, not provocation.”