Press

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Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Demands Mayor Lori Lightfoot Call a State of Emergency to Further Protect Migrants and Refugees Arriving in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - So far this year, Chicago has taken in nearly 2,900 migrants due to Texas Governor, Greg Abbot, and other conservative Governors tactic of busing migrants as their effort to criticize the nation’s immigration policies. This systemic pattern of transporting migrants to our city continues and does not seem to be slowing. The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus proudly stands behind Chicago’s welcoming city ordinance and recognizes the work it will take to ensure any immigrant, asylum-seeker, and refugee the adequate resources to adjust to their new environment.

With that, the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus demand Mayor Lori Lightfoot call a state of emergency and follow in the footsteps of other cities and states around the country also facing a massive uptick of migrants. This will give the appropriate city agencies the ability to establish and operate more centers that will provide assistance for arriving asylum seekers including respite, food, medical care, case work services, assessment of settlement options, as well as direct referrals to alternative emergency supports.

The U.S. is currently home to eleven million undocumented immigrants, including half a million who reside in Illinois, of which approximately 300,000 live in Chicago. The City of Chicago and the United States were founded by immigrants, who have traveled from around the world seeking a better life. We should be devoted to the families sent to Chicago to ensure they have a chance to provide what any individual would want for their family: peace, shelter and safety.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. The Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 10/6/22 Guest User 10/6/22

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Disappointed in Court Ruling Against DACA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is disappointed a federal appeals court yesterday said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy violates U.S. immigration law, dealing a blow to this vital program that provides deportation protection and work permits to nearly 600,000 immigrant Dreamers who lack legal status.

“A decade ago, we welcomed the announcement of DACA and the protections it offered individuals brought to the U.S. as children to apply for temporary protection from deportation,” said Chairman of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Gilbert Villegas, 36th Ward Alderman. “But today we are infuriated that a court ruling takes away this vital protection. We need Congress to pass legislation permanently protecting all Dreamers—and not just those who qualify for DACA, but the many others who have lived for years in legal limbo. That is the true solution here.”

Passing legislation permanently protecting our undocumented youth should not be a heavy lift for Congress. The DACA initiative is a proven winner and an unquestionably valuable program with quantifiable, significant, and long-lasting impacts on families, local communities, our economy, and our nation. The uncertainty that undocumented youth is forced to endure is completely unnecessary and Congress should act on the will of the American people in finally doing what is right – passing legislation to create a path to citizenship for dreamers across the U.S.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is committed to defending Dreamers against these attacks and will stand with these individuals to have their voices heard and fight for a chance to create a better life in the U.S.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. The Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 9/14/22 Guest User 9/14/22

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus calls on the Illinois Supreme Court to Appoint Latino Judge to Upcoming Appellate Court Vacancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Latino Caucus is disappointed with this week’s announcement that the Supreme Court has failed to nominate what would have been the first Latino to serve on our state’s highest court and an opportunity to bring parity to the Appellate Court. While we congratulate Justice Cunningham, Judge Tailor, and Justice Theis on their recent appointments to Justice and Chief Justice, we are troubled by the Court’s failure to break the glass ceiling for our community by appointing a qualified Latino jurist to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Of the seven justices on the Court, none are Latino. This is despite the 18% growing Latino population in our state and the 26% in District 1 where this recent vacancy occurred. At the same time, there is only one Latino Appellate Court Justice serving in the Illinois Court System.

We call on the Court to appoint a Latino to the upcoming vacancy resulting in Justice Cunningham’s ascension to the Supreme Court. It is imperative that our judiciary is reflective of the community it serves.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Stands Ready to Defend Women’s Reproductive Rights with Overturn of Roe v. Wade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2022

Today, the Republican-controlled Supreme Court has achieved the GOP’s goal of ripping away women’s right to make their own reproductive health decisions. The ruling makes reproductive rights uneven across the country and disproportionately affects women of low-income households, as well as women and people of color. More importantly, this ruling will result in the return of dangerous and life-threatening situations when people seek abortions but do not have access to the full repertoire of medical resources that may be necessary.

A woman’s right to choose to have a safe abortion has been at the heart of providing safe care to women for 50 years. In Illinois and Chicago, we are fortunate that there will be no change to continuing to provide women safe choices in their medical care but many vulnerable populations across the country cannot say the same.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus firmly believes in the case law set in place by Roe V. Wade case as fundamental for a woman’s reproductive freedom. It should be up to each individual to decide if they are ready to start a family, not the government.

We urge Latinos everywhere to register to vote and stand up for the rights of women nationwide. Our strong collective voice and mobilization will defend Roe V. Wade and support candidates running for legislative positions to the legal right to safe abortion access. The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will continue to work tirelessly to protect and advance reproductive freedom.

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Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Congratulates Andrea Sáenz as the New Interim President and CEO for The Chicago Community Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2022

CHICAGO - On behalf of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we commend The Chicago Community Trust (CCT) for appointing Andrea Sáenz as Interim President and CEO. Andrea Sáenz currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for CCT where she has shepherded its mission to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region for over four years.

“The decision to appoint Ms. Sáenz is a step in the right direction for appropriate Latino parity in top philanthropic leadership to reflect a city where nearly a third are Latino residents,” said Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus, Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36), “With Ms. Sáenz’s invaluable experience, we urge CCT to make this interim appointment permanent, as we know she will represent the needs of all Chicago communities in every decision and matter defended.”

Previously, Andrea led strategy, program design, evaluation, and organizational development for Chicago Public Library, a system of more than 80 neighborhood branches. Before joining the Library, Andrea served as chief of staff to Chicago Public Schools CEO, policy advisor for the US Department of Education Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education, and executive director of HACE, a national non-profit working collaboratively with employers, universities, and schools to increase Latinx entry and success in professional careers. She began her social sector career leading community-based adult education and workforce development services at Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Commends the Confirmation of the first Black Woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the United States Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - Today, the Senate confirmed President Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson in a historic vote that paves the way for her to become the first Black woman to serve on the highest court in the nation. The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus applauds her confirmation and we stand in support of this extraordinary and experienced jurist.

In every respect, she has earned this seat. Her academic credentials, her judicial experience and her legal acumen prove that she is eminently qualified for this position. For nearly a decade she has served as a fair-minded jurist on both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and D.C. District Court where she has upheld the rights of all people, not just the wealthy and powerful. She has a stellar reputation as a judge, and her experience as a federal public defender and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission will bring much-needed perspectives to the Court.

Judge Jackson, who was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Miami, graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She went on to clerk for recently retired Justice Breyer during the 1999-2000 Supreme Court term.

This is a historic day for all Americans, with one more glass ceiling broken. As the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we believe it is incumbent on all elected officials to use their power and influence to contribute to the well-being of the communities. Today we celebrate Judge Jackson and all those who organized and persevered to make this historic moment possible.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Commends the Nomination of the first Asian American Woman, Nicole Lee, to the Chicago City Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - Yesterday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Nicole Lee, a lifelong Chicagoan raised in Chinatown, will be the new Alderman representing Chicago’s 11th ward and the first Asian American woman to serve on the Chicago City Council.

The selection of Lee came after a thorough process in which applicants were reviewed by a four-member selection committee made up of dedicated public servants and 11th ward residents. The committee then recommended candidates to the Mayor.

Lee’s passion for public service is most evident in her membership in community organizations. Lee is currently a member of the UIC Asian American Advisory Council. In the past, Lee served as the Chair of the Haines Elementary School Council, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, and in a variety of leadership positions at other organizations. She is a graduate of Indiana University and has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Commends the Nomination of the first Black Woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the United States Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - President Biden’s historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is cause for celebration. The president has fulfilled his promise to nominate someone who has a strong commitment to our Constitution and has dedicated her career to equal justice. She will be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. For nearly a decade, she has served as a fair-minded jurist on both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and D.C. District Court where she has upheld the rights of all people, not just the wealthy and powerful. She has a stellar reputation as a judge, and her experience as a federal public defender and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission will bring much-needed perspectives to the Court.

As the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we believe it is incumbent on all elected officials to use their power and influence to contribute to the well-being of the communities. Judge Jackson is an outstanding nominee for the Supreme Court, and the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus urges the Senate to move forward with a fair and timely confirmation.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus on the Shooting Death of Eight-Year-Old Melissa Ortega from Little Village

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2022

CHICAGO - Eight-year-old Melissa Ortega was tragically shot and killed while walking down the street with her mother this past weekend. Once again, we have lost a child who will not have a chance to reach her full potential. The shooting death of Melissa Ortega is a tragedy by all measures. Our deepest condolences and love go out to her mother and the Ortega family as they mourn the death of their daughter, a third grader at Zapata Elementary School. Last year, her family brought her to Chicago from Mexico to give her a future and keep her safe only to be shot dead in broad daylight.

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story. We hear the same struggles, aspirations, and tribulations Chicago immigrant families often face.

Children deserve to feel safe and live in communities that support their health and emotional well-being. The City of Chicago must make intentional investments in communities like La Villita and deeply examine the distribution of resources for families so that Brown and Black children have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential.

Guns and gangs are terrorizing our Chicago neighborhoods. We must work everyday for peace and safety. All residents of Chicago should feel safe in their communities. We must also invest in evidence-based public safety resources and strategies available to heal and protect our communities.

As the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we believe it is incumbent on all elected officials to use their power and influence to contribute to the well-being of the communities. The violence afflicting Chicago is on the same scale as a public health crisis and demands a commensurate response. The dangers presented by gang and gun violence threaten the lives of our children, our communities, and the very fabric of our society. We demand immediate and positive action to address this rampant problem in the City of Chicago.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Elects New 2021-2023 Executive Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2021

CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is proud to announce their new 2021-2023 Executive Committee. The Latino Caucus unanimously elected Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36) as Chairman of the Caucus who succeeded Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26). Ald. Villegas previously served as Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Executive Committee listed here.

Chairman, Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36)
Vice Chair, Alderman Silvana Tabares (23)
Treasurer, Alderman Andre Vasquez (40)
Secretary, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35)

“I want to thank Alderman Roberto Maldonado for leading us these past two years and say that I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to be his successor,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas. “With their support, I know we will continue identifying key issues affecting Latinos, and developing avenues to empower the Latino community throughout Chicago.”

Gilbert Villegas was first elected to City Council in 2015. He represents the 36th Ward on Chicago’s Northwest Side and includes the neighborhoods of Portage Park, Hermosa, Dunning, Belmont Cragin and Montclare.

“Alderman Gilbert Villegas is an effective leader with the necessary knowledge and skills to represent and defend the rights of the Latino community,” expressed Alderman Roberto Maldonado. “He continues to be a fierce advocate for positive change and I strongly believe his record, passion and determination is what we need for the Latino Caucus to achieve its mission.” Alderman Gilbert Villegas will assume the role of Chairman on May 25, 2021.

The Latino Caucus also unanimously elected Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10) as the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Chairman for a two-year term. He previously served as Secretary of the Latino Caucus. The Foundation was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth. The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Executive Committee listed here.

Chairman, Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10)
Vice Chairman, Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez (25)
Treasurer, Alderman George Cardenas (12)
Secretary, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1)

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Maldonado (26), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Will Not Hold a Special Council Meeting about Redistricting on Tuesday, November 30, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2021

CHICAGO - Despite holding a four-hour virtual hearing to discuss the City's proposed map on Monday, November 29, the Chicago City Council Committee on Rules and Committees again failed to reveal its proposed map to the public or even to the City Council. The deadline to pass a map is midnight on Wednesday, December 1.

We are disappointed that during the hearing, Committee leaders attacked members of the Latino Caucus who are advocating for Latinos with spurious scolding that we failed to advise the Committee about the needs of our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth. We announced our principles and our goals more than three months ago. We provided our maps and our electronic data six weeks ago. Since then, members of the Latino Caucus and our allies have been shut out of the City's mapping process through prevarication, distortion, and double-talk.

The Chicago Coalition Map is the product of governance at its best. It protects and brings together Black, White, and Latino communities, preserves communities of interest, and satisfies progressives and moderates, all while following the data and the law.

The lack of transparency is appalling and deeply damaging to public trust. According to the census, Latinos now make up 30% of Chicago’s population. We will not accept any map that creates less than 15 wards or that creates weak wards where Latinos will not be able to elect the candidates of their choice.

Regrettably, we suspected the mapping process might be unfair to Latinos because from the start when we demanded 15 Latino-majority wards, a ratio that is consistent with the data and the law, Committee leaders and mappers refused to acknowledge the growth of the Latino community.

The Latino Caucus will not support deals made in backrooms and behind closed doors that will disenfranchise Latinos, a protected class. The City's redistricting process has been the least transparent in Chicago's history. Although the Committee has not released its map and the people who control the process have created a septic atmosphere, we hold out hope that our colleagues in the City Council will do the right thing and will stand up for the Latino community.

We have in good faith tried to negotiate but it is apparent that there is not a will to have true negotiations and serious compromise. We have cancelled the Special Committee meeting formerly scheduled for Tuesday, November 30. We will give the Committee another 24 hours to come clean, do the right thing, and meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act.

A referendum remains a real possibility. Sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map continue to encourage the City Council to pass a legally defensible map. A map that disenfranchises minorities will require a referendum and will invite litigation that could cost taxpayers millions.

Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus and Allies of the Chicago Coalition Map

Chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th)
Vice Chair Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd)
Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1st)
Ald. Anthony Beale (9th)
Ald. Susan Sadlowski-Garza (10th)
Ald. George Cardenas (12th)
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th)
Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd)
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th)
Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th)
Ald. Felix Cardona (31st)
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33rd)
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th)
Ald. Andre Vazquez (40th)

Guest User 11/29/21 Guest User 11/29/21

The Chicago City Council Will Not Hold a Special Council Meeting about Redistricting on Monday, November 29, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council will not hold a Special Council meeting about redistricting on Monday, November 29. Latino Caucus members and other sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map worked through the weekend to identify areas of conflict between their map and proposed wards that have not been made public by the Rules Committee.

With the December 1st deadline looming, a referendum remains a real possibility. Sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map continue to encourage the City Council to pass a legally defensible map. A map that disenfranchises minorities will require a referendum and will invite litigation that could cost taxpayers millions. Alderpersons who previously called for Monday’s special meeting have asked the City Council to cancel it to allow members to continue to negotiate.

Guest User 10/23/21 Guest User 10/23/21

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Congratulates the Illinois General Assembly on the Newly Drawn Congressional Map

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus would like to congratulate the Illinois General Assembly, especially Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus for ensuring that the Latino community’s voice is reflective in the newly drawn congressional maps.

Over 2.2 million Latinos call Illinois home, the Latino population in Illinois is the fifth largest in the nation and it is only fair that Congress reflect and represent this growth. Latino legislative representation in Congress has grown consistently over the past 40 years but still remains far from proportional to the Latino share of the United States population. The Illinois General Assembly has an opportunity to ensure that Latinos add a seat that would further improve the efforts to reach parity representation in Congress.

“Latinos have chosen to make Illinois their home and we are committed to this great state. In Chicago, the Latino Caucus is working hard to ensure that our community is fairly represented and we are happy to see that the General Assembly has that same mission,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Alderman Gilbert Villegas.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus urges Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign this map into law immediately upon passage.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andre Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 9/20/21 Guest User 9/20/21

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Presents a Report Card on Mayor Lightfoot’s Job on Latino Hiring and Representation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2021

CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus gives Mayor Lori Lightfoot, now over halfway through her four-year term, an overall grade of a ‘D’ for Latino hiring and representation during her tenure. There is a problem with equity and representation in city government and the Latino Caucus sees the biggest issue with this at the highest levels of the Mayor’s administration.

The Latino Caucus looked at representation in four areas in the Mayor’s administration -- overall city workforce, Boards and Commissions, city departments, and the Mayor’s cabinet.

The data was provided by the City of Chicago Human Resources department and was analyzed by the Latino Policy Forum. Latino representation should be at 30%, the grading scale is as follows:

100-90% = A

89-80% = B

79-70% = C

69-60% = D

Below 59% = F

According to the U.S. Census Chicago's population is 30% Latino, yet, the city’s entire workforce is only 22.5% Latino - which is generous because it includes City Council members and staff. Regardless, by no means does the city workforce represent the makeup of the city.

● The Mayor gets a C- for Latino representation in the City’s workforce.

Mayoral-appointed Board and Commission membership falls short in terms of Latino makeup and representation of where it should be but this is where we see the strongest showing of Latino representation. Latinos makeup 28% of Board and Commission membership.

● The Mayor gets an A for Latino representation among members of Boards and Commissions.

However, Mayoral-appointed leadership and decision-making roles on Boards and Commissions is where we see a disparity. Latinos makeup only 21% of leadership roles on Boards and Commissions.

● The Mayor gets a C- for Latino representation among leadership on Boards and Commissions.

Every department in the city has decision makers. The Latino Caucus defined decision making roles as superintendents, chiefs, deputies, etc. Only 17% of employees in leadership and decision-making roles across the city’s departments are Latino.

● The Mayor gets an F for Latino representation in decision-making roles across all departments in City government.

The Mayor has 32 cabinet members who are her closest advisors making decisions and overseeing all areas of city government. Of those 32 cabinet members, only four of them are Latino. That means only 12 ½ % of her cabinet membership is Latino.

● The Mayor gets an F for Latino representation in her cabinet.

All of this amounts to the Mayor earning a D in Latino hiring and representation under her leadership. There is not one category where Latino employment is representative of the population of the City of Chicago.

“There’s no question that the budget we heard today was developed with input from too few Latinos in decision-making roles,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), “Until that happens we’ll continue to see inadequate investment in our Latino community and in areas of our city that have suffered for too long.”

The Latino Caucus will be submitting a resolution for the next City Council meeting to introduce a Hispanic Inclusion Plan, complete with an advisory board. It is imperative there is Latino representation in the Mayor’s administration and in our city government reflects the makeup of our city. This plan will ensure the City is assessing the makeup of its workforce annually and putting plans in place to grow representation at all levels: supervisory, professional, technical and managerial.

“How can we be sure that we’re fairly investing in the right programs, that decisions about health and safety are being made with balanced input from Latinos? Right now there’s no balance,” said Vice Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), “The Latino population in Chicago continues to grow, yet we don’t see that growth happening in leadership roles in the Mayor’s administration.”

Last week, the Latino Caucus sent the Mayor a list of budget demands which includes bringing the total investment of the Immigrant Defense Fund to $5 million, funding the expansion of crisis response, rapid rehousing, cash assistance, child care assistance, small business support, community organization nonprofit funding, and much more.

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Census data released today The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will work to draw a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus welcomes the release of the official U.S. Census data as we begin our decennial reapportionment process of the City’s population, and the redistricting of the 50 wards.

According to the Census data released today, the City of Chicago’s total population is 2,746,388. Of that, 819,518 identify as Latino which is 30% of the City population. 863,622 people identify as white only which is 31% of the population, 787,551 people identify as Black only, which is 29% of the population, and 189,857 people identify as Asian only which is 7% of the population.

Based on these Census numbers, the Latino population has grown despite the rhetoric that came out of Washington during the past administration. Latinos remain underrepresented on the City Council. The Voting Rights Act and State Law require that each ward should have the same number of residents, with as little deviation as is practicable. In addition, the Voting Rights Act requires that protected groups have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The Latino Caucus will be examining the data along with the current map and any potential changes to the City’s 50 Wards to ensure that we comply with the Voting Rights Act and all other, applicable legal requirements.

“The release of the U.S. Census data today means it's time to start the process of drawing a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice,” said Gilbert Villegas, chairman of the Latino Caucus. “The Latino Caucus will work with the entire City Council to put forward a map that fairly represents all communities.”

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Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ruling made on July 16, 2021 and demands it be appealed immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2021

CHICAGO, IL - Last week a federal judge in Texas ruled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an imperative program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented young adults from deportation, as unlawful. This throws into question yet again the fate of immigrants known as Dreamers.

On Wednesday, the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus introduced a resolution in support of immigration demands being lifted up by Chicago immigrant rights advocates. These demands include Congress passing a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and essential workers passed in budget reconciliation; and new Department of Homeland Security guidance on enforcement priorities that will reduce deportations.

“The latest DACA ruling only increases urgency for Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship now, through budget reconciliation. The Illinois delegation, particularly Senators Durbin and Duckworth, must be leaders in ensuring that this happens,” said Chairwoman of the Immigration Rights Subcommittee of the Latino Caucus, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33), “Passing a pathway to citizenship must happen alongside suspended ICE enforcement. Even as we separate ICE from local police in Chicago and across the state, our communities will not be protected from deportation without the President and the Department of Homeland Security enacting new internal policies to protect immigrant families.”

The U.S. is currently home to eleven million undocumented immigrants, including half a million who reside in Illinois, of which approximately 300,000 live in Chicago. The City of Chicago and the United States were founded by immigrants, who have traveled from around the world seeking a better life. Our nation’s immigration system should uphold our basic values of family, economic opportunity, and fairness.

“There are 300,000 undocumented immigrants in the city of Chicago, and even more who are children or partners of immigrants,” said Alderman Carlos Rosa (35), Secretary of the Latino Caucus, “This is a moment for us on the City Council to show our support of the organizations in our wards and across the city who are part of the movement for immigrant rights and to win citizenship for all right now.”

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. The Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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PRESS CONFERENCE: Chicago City Council Latino Caucus resolution calls on Congress, Biden to protect immigrants this year

Demands include a pathway to citizenship in budget reconciliation, cut immigration enforcement spending, and new guidance reduce deportations

MEDIA ADVISORY
July 21, 2021

CHICAGO -- After last week’s court ruling that strikes down DACA for new applicants, the urgency to create a pathway to citizenship at the federal level has increased. Congress has an opportunity right now to pass a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and essential workers this year through the budget reconciliation process. Additionally, President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security can cut spending on immigration enforcement, and issue new guidance to reduce deportations nationwide.

Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will discuss a City Council resolution calling on the Illinois delegation to pass a pathway to citizenship this year, and for the President and DHS to reduce deportations. Leaders with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will provide expertise and share a personal testimony.

WHAT: Press conference with the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus and ICIRR
WHEN: Thursday, July 22 at 10:00am
WHERE: Virtual, over Zoom
REGISTER: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82536191736
WHO: Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Brighton Park Neighborhood Council

Reporters who wish to ask questions may register for the Zoom (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82536191736) or watch on Facebook at Facebook.com/ICIRR

Guest User 7/17/21 Guest User 7/17/21

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ruling made on July 16, 2021 and demands it be appealed immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2021

CHICAGO, IL - Yesterday, a federal judge in Texas ruled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an imperative program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented young adults from deportation, as unlawful. This throws into question yet again the fate of immigrants known as Dreamers.

“Hundreds of thousands of individual DACA recipients, along with their employers, states, and loved ones, rely on the DACA program,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), “Latinos make up the fabric of this country, this ruling is deeply concerning and will have many undocumented immigrants only look to an uncertain future.”

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. We stand against this horrible ruling that will inhibit thousands of residents from leading fruitful lives filled with opportunity. Almost a decade since the program was established, DACA is still one of the only signs of relief for undocumented immigrants looking to remain and work in the U.S.

“We can’t allow any court to turn back the clock on the rights that have been fought so hard for. The only direction we are moving in is towards expansion of those rights and a path to citizenship,” said Chairwoman of the Immigrant Rights Subcommittee of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), “Protecting our immigrant community is a priority and we will fight to ensure all our undocumented siblings are safe.”

The judge who made the ruling, Andrew S. Hanen of the United States District Court in Houston, said President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created DACA by executive order in 2012. The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns this ruling and demands it be appealed immediately.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 5/26/21 Guest User 5/26/21

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Elects New 2021-2023 Executive Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021

Chairman, Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36)
Vice Chair, Alderman Silvana Tabares (23)
Treasurer, Alderman Andre Vasquez (40)
Secretary, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35)

Chairman, Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10)
Vice Chairman, Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez (25)
Treasurer, Alderman George Cardenas (12)
Secretary, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1)

Guest User 4/23/21 Guest User 4/23/21

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.