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The Chicago Latino Caucus Joins Latino Lawyers in Calling for DOJ Investigation in the Shooting Death of Adam Toledo and Increased Resources for Schools and Youth in the Latino Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021

CHICAGO – The City Council’s Latino Caucus join Latino Lawyers in their call for the Department of Justice to deputize the U.S. Department of Civil Rights to conduct an investigation into the circumstances that led to, and resulted in, the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, and to determine whether the constitutional and civil rights of Adam Toledo were violated.

That investigation should specifically look into the following areas:

Establish clear procedures and policies outlining the circumstances under which police officers can engage in foot chases, with criteria to discipline officers who do not follow the procedures.
There must be clear procedures and policies governing any interactions between the police and children especially when lethal force is used. No more “Adam Cases.” The police video of the shooting in Adam’s case shows a terrified 13-year-old boy running from the police, disposing of what appears to be a gun, and then complying with the officer’s commands, including stopping, turning around with his empty hands raised, and then getting shot in the chest. Adam obeyed the commands of the officer that was chasing him. Yet, he was shot in the chest and died in the alley in less than a minute after being shot. This is a tragedy that could have and should have been prevented had the police department had clear policies and procedures governing the use of lethal force against our children during foot chases.
Establish clear procedures and policies setting forth the circumstances under which police officers can engage in car chases in densely populated neighborhoods. This is especially the case when the offense involves minor traffic infractions, such as the failure to activate a turning signal, broken taillight, displaying hanging items from the rearview mirror, playing loud music, etc. These minor infractions cannot be used as a pretext to engage in high speed chases through our neighborhoods that endanger everyone in the community.

The policies and procedures that result from the investigation must then be incorporated into a consent decree with judicial oversight to ensure that they are meaningfully enforced and implemented.

“Latino youth, especially those returning to CPS Little Village classrooms after the video release of Adam’s shooting, need increased support services and safe spaces for the last quarter of the school year and over the summer months” said Caucus Member, Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez. “We demand more counselors and social workers to provide services to these traumatized youth. With the current student populations across southwest side schools, there is a need for hundreds of more social workers and school counselors”, added Alderman Rodriguez.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus demands that Mayor Lightfoot and CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson target funds in excess of $80 Million to the Little Village community and other Latino community schools from the close to $2 billion dollars received from federal relief in order to meet the needs of our children. In addition, “our teenage youth need year-round jobs, that go beyond “One Summer Chicago,” we need a partnership between public and private entities to create job opportunities for our most at-risk youth”, added Caucus Chairman, Alderman Roberto Maldonado.

Guest User 3/16/19 Guest User 3/16/19

Latino Caucus Outraged by Trump’s Immigration Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2019

CHICAGO (March 16, 2019) – Today President Donald Trump announced a new immigration plan that clearly demonstrates that he does not understand the past, present or future of the United States. He does not understand that both Chicago and the United States were built on the broad shoulders of immigrants.

Thankfully, there is no chance that this racist policy will never become law. But it is extremely worrisome that once again the President of the United States is willing to stand up and advocate for racism. It is nearly as worrisome that the President believes he could be the one to determine what is “merit based.” Over and over again, this President has demonstrated that the only population he values is Caucasian men.

The Latino Caucus stands united with the inscription on the Statue of Liberty:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Our Caucus will do everything we can to fight against President Trump’s racist policy. While we are glad this particular policy is dead on arrival, it is only one example of the harm being done by the President.

The City Council’s Latino Caucus includes 10 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Daniel Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35).

Guest User 3/11/19 Guest User 3/11/19

Latinos will help determine Chicago’s next mayor

Every poll published thus far points to Latino’s growing power in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2019

CHICAGO – For the first time in the history of Chicago, two women of color are facing off for the top executive seat in City Hall. Given that the Latino community is the largest minority group in Chicago, there is no doubt Latinos will have a significant say in who that Mayor will be. Despite the obvious strength in numbers, Latinos continue to be severely underrepresented at all levels of City government. A recent survey conducted by the the Latino Caucus surveyed a number of City departments for leadership and employment demographics, and the results continue to disappoint. Only 19% of Chicago’s municipal workforce is Latino, and a unacceptable 2% are in decision making roles.

“To truly reform our city, we need to be mindful and inclusive of the Latino community. As the largest minority group in Chicago, it is vital that the new administration taps into the Latino talent pipeline and make Latino representation at all levels of government a priority,” said Alderman Villegas, Chairman of the Latino Caucus.

As we enter the final stage of electing our next Mayor, the Latino Caucus is asking both candidates to commit to making Latino inclusiveness in municipal leadership roles, key government positions, and certainly within her cabinet.

“Chicago’s leadership must mirror the make-up of its constituencies, the next Mayor must not turn a blind eye to Chicago’s current and evolving demographics,” said Alderman….

“Latinos represent approximately 1/3 of our population and only 2% of leadership or decision making roles for City government, this is not acceptable,” said Alderman… “Our leadership must represent those we are priviledged to serve. The next Mayor of our great city can and must have a positive impact in the short and near term.”

The City Council’s Latino Caucus includes 12 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Daniel Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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Latino Caucus Celebrates Census Question Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2019

Today, United States District Judge Jesse Furman stood with all Americans by declaring that the Trump administration would not be allowed to inject their racist agenda into the 2020 Census:

“Secretary Ross’s decision to add a citizenship question was ‘arbitrary and capricious’ on its own terms: He failed to consider several important aspects of the problem; alternately ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence in the record before him; acted irrationally both in light of that evidence and his own stated decisional criteria; and failed to justify significant departures from past policies and practices ― a veritable smorgasbord of classic, clear-cut APA violations,” said Judge Furman in his decision.

“This decision is a big win for Chicagoans regardless of their background,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Latino Caucus. “This was nothing more than a political move by President Trump intended to strip resources from urban hubs like Chicago.”

“Frankly, my community has seen first hand how much it can hurt when the President of the United States wants you to go away,” said Alderman Joe Moreno of the 1st Ward. “The fact that his Administration would be so openly and honestly against us.”

“Judge Furman stood with all Americans today,” said Alderman George Cardenas of the 12th Ward. “While I am disgusted by the President, I am proud that we live in a country where a Judge can stand up to the President.”

The Census is used to determine how many congressional seats are allotted to each state and how nearly $700 billion in federal funds are spent. Experts from across the political spectrum agreed that adding a citizenship question would have limited responses from the Latino Community.

“Judge Furman made the correct decision today,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the 35th Ward. “He determined that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross broke the law. All Americans should be appalled that the federal government is intentionally breaking the law to push their personal, racist agenda.”

Guest User 10/11/18 Guest User 10/11/18

Latino Caucus Outraged at Trump’s Imprisoned Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2018

The fact that the Trump Administration still has young people imprisoned with no hope in sight is an abomination. Moreover, the fact that children were ever incarcerated is something all Americans should be ashamed of. Things continue to get worse, and nearly three months after a federal judge ordered the reunification of families, children remain separated from their families.

“President Trump’s so called “zero tolerance” immigration policy drew a great deal of outrage over the summer when Americans saw thousands of children locked in prisons,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chair of the Latino Caucus. “But hundreds of children are still locked up and our country seems to have gotten bored with the issue. Disgusting.”

All indications are that President Trump and his administration are simply unwilling to do what it will take to reunite the remaining children.

“Frankly, President Trump broke the very basic code set forth by the Bible and morality,” said ALDERMAN BLANK. “Now he is knowingly breaking the law and that moral code we all live by. Where is the outrage?”

“There is absolutely no excuse for these children to still locked up. None,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas. “A federal judge said they had to move Heaven and Earth to reunite these children. They did not, and children are still separated from their families. Why are we not throwing these people who promised reunions in prison?”

“President Trump has been flagrantly breaking the law by incarcerating children for 3 months,” steamed ALDERMAN BLANK. “These are children, behind bars.”

Guest User 6/27/18 Guest User 6/27/18

Latino Caucus Celebrates Momentous Day For Chicago’s Latino Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2018

CHICAGO – On a busy day at Chicago’s City Council the Latino Caucus stood strong in celebration. The day started with the Caucus members holding signs that read “Families Belong Together,” a sentiment shared by every member of the City Council.

Soon thereafter, the Caucus celebrated the official swearing in of Silvana Tabares as the new Alderman of the 23rd Ward. After the City Council meeting, Alderman Tabares officially became a member of the Latino Caucus, pledging to work with her new colleagues to ensure all Chicagoans have a strong voice in City Government.

“We are facing tough times in the United States. The President of the United States is attempting to trample the Constitution while using young children as pawns of his disgusting political games,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward and Chairman of the City Council’s Latino Caucus. “Now we have another powerful voice on our side. I know Alderman Tabares will be a great member of the Latino Caucus, just when we need her the most.”

“At last year’s Latino Caucus’ Foundation Gala we raised over $350,000 for college scholarships,” said Alderman Ricardo Muñoz of the 22nd Ward, “with the help of Alderman Tabares, our goal is to strengthen and grow the Caucus even further to continue making a greater impact in our community.”

The 2018 Latino Caucus Foundation Gala will take place on September 21st at the Bridgeport Art Center. Members have already begun the fundraising effort for the 2018 Gala with official invitations going out in Mid-July.

The City Councils’ Latino Caucus now includes 12 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Alderman Proco Joe Moreno - 1st Ward, Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza - 10th Ward, Alderman George Cardenas - 12th Ward, Alderman Raymond Lopez - 15th Ward, Alderman Ricardo Muñoz - 22nd Ward, Alderman Silvana Tabares – 23rd Ward, Alderman Daniel Solis - 25th Ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward, Alderman Ariel Reboyras - 30th Ward, Alderman Milly Santiago - 31st Ward and Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward.

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New UIC Report: Growing Latino population needs more educational, economic resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2017

CHICAGO – Before the Chicago City Council meeting this morning, the City Council’s Latino Caucus, Metropolitan Family Services and the University of Illinois at Chicago held a joint press conference announcing a new report entitled The Latino Neighborhoods Report: Issues and Prospects for Chicago, which highlights the growing opportunities and challenges of the city’s Latino population.

This report, commissioned by Metropolitan Family Services to further its delivery of social services, presents demographic characteristics of Latinos in Chicago and examines the neighborhoods with a majority Latino population.

The report uses primarily U.S. Census Data and examines 12 of the City’s neighborhoods where Latinos are prevalent. Among the findings in the report:

The Latino population has increased substantially and is widely distributed throughout Chicago neighborhoods.  
Current levels of education for Latinos lag behind White and Black populations.  
Income levels of Latinos lag behind non-Hispanic White populations citywide but Latinos have higher median  household incomes in 5 of 12 predominantly Latino neighborhoods.  
Latino neighborhoods have higher concentrations of their labor force in manufacturing and typically low paying  service industries and lower concentrations in higher paying service industries.  
Low rates of Latino homeownership and high rates of foreclosures challenge wealth-building and neighborhood  stability in many Latino neighborhoods.  
All 12 of the Latino neighborhoods of study had higher rates of their population without health insurance than  in the city of Chicago.

"This report demonstrates that Latinos are present throughout Chicago's neighborhoods and have unique social, economic and housing success and challenges,” said the author, José Miguel Acosta-Córdova, Research Assistant at the UIC’s Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, a James J. Stukel Student Fellow at the Great Cities Institute, Graduate Student in Urban Planning and Policy, and President of UIC’s Latino planning student organization, LPODER.

“This in-depth study clearly outlines the dynamic growth of Chicago’s Latino community and the need to further expand its access to educational and economic resources to realize its potential and maximize its contributions to the city,” said Ric Estrada, President and CEO of Metropolitan Family Services. “Metropolitan Family Services is excited to use these findings to strengthen the services we provide daily to thousands of Latino families throughout the Chicago area.”

“Reading the UIC report made me incredibly optimistic. The fact that the future of Chicago is inexorably tied to Latinos is a great sign for our City,” said Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36). “I am committed to continuing to fight for educational and economic resources for the Latino community as we move forward.”

The author, Josė Acosta, can be reached via phone at 312.918.0906 or email at jacost29@uic.edu. A complete copy of the report can be found at https://greatcities.uic.edu/2017/10/11/latino-neighborhoods-report/

The Latino Caucus includes 11 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Danny Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35).

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Latino Caucus Condemns Mention of School Vouchers in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2017

CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently dodged questions about a rumored plan to allow a school voucher program to infiltrate Chicago Public Schools. “Thankfully Mayor Emanuel has not come out in support of school vouchers,” said Latino Caucus Chairman Gilbert Villegas, “at the same time it is frightening to think that the Mayor did not condemn a voucher program given Chicago Public School’s financial mess.”

Throughout the ongoing Springfield battles for fair school funding, Governor Bruce Rauner has demanded vouchers be apart of any school funding bill. Up to this point, Legislators from across the state have defended students, parents and teachers by refusing the Governors demands. Now is not the time for these Legislators and Mayor Emanuel to give up on Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools could not recover from a voucher program that would siphon at least $100 million out of a system that seems to be constantly struggling. Governor Bruce Rauner, President Donald Trump and Secretary Betsy DeVos praise voucher systems because they know it is a way to attack unions and privatize education. We will not stand idly by and allow our Democratic ideals to be attacked. We will stand up for our teachers, parents and students.

The City Councils’ Latino Caucus includes 11 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Alderman Joe Moreno - 1st Ward, Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza - 10th Ward, Alderman Cardenas - 12th Ward, Alderman Raymond Lopez - 15th Ward, Alderman Rick Muñoz - 22nd Ward, Alderman Danny Solis - 25th Ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward, Alderman Ariel Reboyras - 30th Ward, Alderman Milly Santiago - 31st Ward, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward.