Statement from the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus on ICE’s Assault on Civil Liberties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2025

CHICAGO – “This afternoon Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) witnessed ICE agents attempting to detain a patient at a clinic in her ward – a patient seeking medical care after ICE allegedly used excessive force and broke his leg. When Alderwoman Fuentes asked the agents for an arrest warrant – a basic constitutional requirement – they refused and instead unjustifiably put her in handcuffs.

“Showing a warrant before detention is not optional; it’s a cornerstone of constitutional law. And yet, ICE agents continue to ignore this requirement.

“This is not new, nor is it an isolated incident. ICE agents continue to violate civil liberties with impunity, and if we continue to allow this erosion of due process to go unchecked, we risk undermining the foundation of our democracy.

“Due process is not negotiable. We will not stay silent. We must stand together to demand accountability. What’s playing out day-by-day is a warning that we must organize and not relent. Speak out and show up. Go to ICE watch trainings. Learn your rights so you can protect the rights of those around you.

“And we, as the City Council Latino Caucus, hold firm that it will take a coalition all of us, united across racial and ethnic communities, political leanings, ages and socioeconomic status, to stand up to the disturbing pattern of abuse from ICE and the federal government, and the complete disregard for the rights we hold as Americans.”

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