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CHICAGO (WLS) — Over the weekend, numerous cities, including Chicago, witnessed demonstrations opposing the shootings by immigration officers.
Saturday marked the one-month anniversary of Renee Good’s tragic death in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of several individuals recently shot by federal officers.
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In the Chicago area, communities gathered to pay tribute to those whose lives were taken by federal agents.
“This moment with ICE highlights the ongoing attacks on our community,” remarked Cristobal Cavazos, the executive director at Casa DuPage Workers Center. “The violence and intimidation are evident.”
On Saturday, Casa DuPage Workers Center in Wheaton became a hub where community members and volunteers assembled to construct and adorn altars in memory of those killed during federal immigration operations nationwide.
“We’re crafting paper flowers, ‘papel picado,’ and paintings,” shared Samantha Valdez, a volunteer at Casa DuPage Workers Center. “These creations serve to honor their memories and the causes they championed before their deaths.”
Among those who were honored include Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who was killed last September in Franklin Park, Illinois.
The partner of Villegas-Gonzalez, Blanca Mora, also attended the event. In Spanish, through tears, she thanked the community for supporting her while her family grieves.
On Saturday, the family of Renee Good also honored their loved one in Minnesota. Becca Good released a statement, saying in part, “Renee was not the first person killed, and she was not the last… their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine. They are neighbors, friends, coworkers, classmates. And we must also know their names. Because this shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
Over at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago, demonstrators gathered to stand in solidarity with communities that have been impacted.
“ICE is attacking most vulnerable in our community,” portester Kasia Merlak said. “If we don’t stand up for them, If we’re not defending our neighbors, then can we even call ourselves good neighbors?”
The finished altars will then be moved to Franklin Park. They will be displayed in the same area where Villegas-Gonzalez was killed.
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Also on Saturday, there was a big show of support for the owners of the Garfield Ridge coffee shop, “A Cup Of Joe.”
The Villarreal family has been vocal about their disapproval of ICE operations in Chicago. They say that’s led to harassment and a call for protests outside the business Saturday.
However, ABC7 crews found a long line of supporters.
In a statement, the Villarreal family said canceling their business for simply “expressing their right to freedom of speech is un-American.”
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