Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Condemns Recent ICE-Related Deaths, Calls for Protection of Immigrant Communities (Chicago, IL) – Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez is condemning recent fatal encounters involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying the incidents underscore the need to protect immigrant communities and elect leaders who support their rights.
Hernandez issued a statement following reports that two people were shot and killed by ICE officers and another person died during an encounter with ICE within the past week. Her comments also come amid reports of an increased ICE presence in Illinois.
“Throughout my twenty-year career as a state legislator, I have stood with immigrant communities, and I know for certain: being an immigrant, being Brown, or being scared of ICE should not be a death sentence,” Hernandez said.
She also referenced “Operation Midway Blitz,” saying immigration enforcement activity continues despite public attention shifting elsewhere.
“‘Operation Midway Blitz’ never truly ended in Illinois, either,” Hernandez said. “ICE is still patrolling our neighborhoods. They’re still targeting and detaining non-violent, valued community members.”
Hernandez argued the recent incidents highlight the importance of upcoming elections and called on voters to support Democratic candidates committed to protecting immigrant communities.
“The stakes were always high this midterms, and this ongoing assault on immigrants of color makes DPI’s mission all the more vital,” she said. “We must elect and re-elect Democrats who are dedicated to protecting the dignity of immigrant communities.”
ICE had not publicly responded to Hernandez’s statement at the time it was issued.
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Condemns Recent ICE-Related Deaths, Calls for Protection of Immigrant Communities
