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.”

Villanueva responde tras la continuación de terror de agentes federales en La Villita

CHICAGO – La senadora estatal Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) condenó la última ola de agresiones federales en La Villita, donde los agentes volvieron a aterrorizar a la comunidad con gases lacrimógenos y raptos arbitrarios:

"Nuestros barrios siguen siendo invadidos, esta vez con armas químicas, ya que los agentes federales lanzaron gases lacrimógenos contra los residentes y manifestantes, provocando pánico, confusión y daños. Esto no es aplicación de la ley: es violencia.

"Están deteniendo a personas sin órdenes judiciales, sin el debido proceso, actuando como jueces y captores en la calle. Están arrastrando a personas a camionetas, incluso a ciudadanos documentados, sin tener en cuenta la ley ni la constitución. Estos actos son inconstitucionales y terroristas por diseño.

"Nuestros vecinos no deberían ser tratados como combatantes en sus propias casas. Los niños no deberían despertarse con explosiones de gas en sus calles. Las familias no deberían temer que ir a la tienda o estar en su barrio pueda llevarles a sufrir raptos y violencia.

"Permítanme ser clara: estas acciones son inconstitucionales, ilegales e inhumanas. Los agentes están actuando sin ningún respeto por los derechos civiles ni por la Constitución. Apoyo al gobernador Pritzker en su exigencia de transparencia y rendición de cuentas. La creación de la Comisión de Rendición de Cuentas de Illinois es un paso fundamental para documentar estos abusos, sacar a la luz la verdad y exigir responsabilidades a los culpables.

"A los residentes: mi oficina está con ustedes. Si ustedes, sus seres queridos o sus vecinos se enfrentan a un encuentro con agentes federales de inmigración, llamen a la Red de Apoyo Familiar de ICIRR para obtener ayuda al 855-435-7693.

"Esta comunidad no se someterá al miedo. Más bien, exigiremos justicia ante este abuso de poder."

Villanueva responds after federal agents continue terror in Little Village

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) condemned the latest wave of federal aggression in Little Village, where agents returned to terrorize the community with tear gas and arbitrary abductions:

“Our neighborhoods continue to be invaded, this time with chemical weapons, as federal agents fired tear gas at residents and protesters, creating panic, confusion and harm. This is not law enforcement: it is violence.

“They are snatching people without warrants, without due process, acting as judge and captor in the street. They are dragging people into vans, including documented citizens, with no regard for the law or the constitution. These acts are unconstitutional and terroristic by design.

“Our neighbors should not be treated like combatants in their own homes. Children should not wake up to explosions of gas in their streets. Families should not fear that walking to the store or standing on their block could lead to abduction and violence.

“Let me be clear: these actions are unconstitutional, unlawful and inhumane. Agents are operating with zero regard for civil rights or the Constitution. I stand with Governor Pritzker in demanding transparency and accountability. The creation of the Illinois Accountability Commission is a critical step to document these abuses, expose the truth and hold those responsible to account.

“To residents: my office stands with you. If you, your loved one or your neighbor is facing an encounter with federal immigration agents, please call ICIRR’s Family Support Network for assistance at 855-435-7693.

“This community will not submit to fear. Rather, we will force justice on this abuse of power.”

Villanueva responds to federal activity in Little Village

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to today’s federal activity in Little Village:

“Once again, federal agents stormed into our communities — crashing vehicles, terrorizing families and abducting at least eight residents, including documented U.S. citizens. This was not an ‘operation.’ It was a violation, a blatant assault on our community and our constitutional rights.

“Families were thrown into panic, children watched as neighbors were dragged away and entire blocks were left in fear. These agents acted without transparency, without accountability and without regard for the law or the lives they shattered. What happened today was not public safety, it was violence.

“These unconstitutional actions are the behavior of a government targeting its own people. They are acts of tyranny, violating the fundamental rights of citizens and non-citizens alike. No agency should have the authority to descend on neighborhoods and abduct residents from their cars, their homes or their streets.

“I am demanding immediate answers from federal leadership and calling for oversight and restraint. Illinois must draw a clear line: our communities are not war zones, and our people are not targets.

“To residents: my office stands with you. If you, your loved one or your neighbor is facing an encounter with federal immigration agents, please reach out for assistance at 773-565-4661 or visit our website. You are not alone.

“This community will not be silenced by fear. We will stand firm, speak out and protect one another.”