Immigration Facts of the Week: There is an Escalation in ICE Operations
Get the essential facts about immigration: this week, Pope Leo asked the Church to speak out on the treatment of migrants in the US
The Trump administration continues to defy court orders prohibiting it from deploying the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, two Democratic-led cities that the president says are out of control.
A group of about 200 Texas National Guardsmen arrived at a training facility near Chicago, although later Federal Judge April M. Perry issued an order blocking the deployment, arguing that there is no evidence of a risk of “rebellion,” as alleged by the Department of Justice.
“I have not found any credible evidence that there is a danger of rebellion in the state of Illinois,” the judge stated.
The president says he needs National Guard troops to combat crime and to support and protect ICE during the detention of undocumented immigrants. But immigrant advocates, activists, and Democratic politicians consider the deployment of National Guard troops unnecessary and only exacerbates an already tense situation.
ICE agents' tactics for using force against protesters and even journalists have already been denounced.
In fact, another federal judge, Sara Ellis, prohibited ICE agents from using force against protesters and journalists who do not pose a threat. They alleged that officers unjustifiably fired pepper spray and tear gas at them.
The judge held that the officers' actions "clearly violated the Constitution."
ICE Operations Turn Violent
Even religious groups are not exempt from ICE's extreme actions. One of the plaintiffs asking the court to restrict the use of force is Presbyterian Reverend David Black, who demonstrated outside the ICE detention center in Broadview, Illinois.
This is what Black Religion News Service told him about the ICE officers: "I called them to repentance. I basically offered them an altar call."
However, the officers responded by firing pepper spray at him, One of which struck him on the head. The shepherd fell to his knees. “We could hear them laughing,” he said.
Even Pope Leon reacts
Pope Leon, born in Chicago,received a group of social workers from the United States-Mexico border on Wednesday who gave him letters from immigrants explaining the situation they are experiencing amid the detentions and deportations by the Trump administration.
Reuters spoke with the Bishop of El Paso, Mark Seitz, who noted that “our Holy Father… expressed his desire that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops speak out firmly on this issue.”
Chicago Marathon this Sunday with the presence of 3,000 Mexicans
This Sunday the Chicago Marathon will be held and will have the participation of 3,000 Mexicans amid the intensification of ICE operations in that city.
One of the Mexican runners told Univision that “I run with a passport and I go to carry all the documents that can be carried, so as not to have any news if I meet someone who asks me the reasons why I am visiting Chicago.”
Regarding the presence of 3,000 Mexican runners at the event, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared that “I want everyone to eat. I believe that the best way to demonstrate resistance is to not bend the knee to tyranny.”
Quote of the Week
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, reacted on National Public Radio to the escalation of ICE activities: “Their behavior seems to have worsened, as they are now allowed to use excessive force. It seems like they shoot first and ask questions later.”
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Chicago Marathon this Sunday with the presence of 3,000 Mexicans
This Sunday the Chicago Marathon is being held and will have the participation of 3,000 Mexicans amid the intensification of ICE operations in that city.
One of the Mexican runners told Univision that “I run with a passport and I will carry all the documents that can be portable, so as not to have any news if I meet someone who asks me the reasons why I am visiting Chicago.”
Regarding the presence of 3,000 Mexican runners at the event, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared that “I want everyone to come. I believe that the best way to show resistance is to not bend the knee to tyranny.”
Quote of the week
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights and Refugees reacted to the escalation of ICE activities on National Public Radio: "Their behavior appears to have worsened, as they are now permitted to use excessive force. It seems like they shoot first and ask questions later."

