The precedent exists. We have heard enough talk from our administration.
We need concrete actions that match those words.
Chicago must halt evictions now!
Leaders in Chicago must meet the moment we are in, and demand that the landlords, who profit off city grants and tax breaks, show compassion and grace to their tenants who are being terrorized by ICE and the Trump administration. An eviction moratorium is the crucial step, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, must take to ensure the protection of our neighbors.
For months now, people in our city, and across the state of Illinois, have come together independently to watch over immigrant neighbors, friends, and families targeted by the terror ICE and DHS imposes on our city.
Who has stepped up for this city? Workers, neighbors, teachers, clergy, and civilians of all kinds, following the sounds of whistles and car horns to protect fellow neighbors from racist state violence.
Their sacrifice of their own safety, and devotion to each other must now be reflected by our government.
Who has left us vulnerable?
Every government official who is not doing everything they can to put a stop to this madness.
Many immigrant tenants on ICE’s radar already face eviction due to rising rents, and landlords who target immigrant and low income tenants for eviction, so they can turn everything into luxury living.
How can our neighbors survive when their safest place will be snatched away with one missed rent payment.
One missed payment because they can’t work.
And why can’t they work?
Because ICE is snatching them from the jobs that sustain them, profiling the honest labor they give to their communities.
Where can they find peace?
When even the places they go for school, worship, sustenance, or care are not safe?
When everywhere outside the home has become dangerous then what?
Landlords won’t miss a penny of their profits to keep people safe.
So, if Chicago is to protect people from ICE terror — as city leaders claim they want — the city must support immigrants staying safe in their homes.
It is our demand to see an eviction moratorium enacted to protect the tenants of Chicago.
