A new campaign against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol is being launched by a group in Illinois, aiming to address concerns over immigration enforcement practices.
This initiative is being introduced at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Summit.
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On Saturday, immigrant rights advocates kicked off a statewide policy campaign in direct response to ongoing ICE activities targeting communities of color. The effort underscores a call to action for those affected to stand up for their rights.
“We hold the power in our hands; it is up to us to rise, take action, and defend our rights,” stated Sugeira Tellez, an attendee of the ICIRR summit.
Tellez, a resident from the Chicago area, was among the participants of this year’s summit, which carries the theme “Radical Love, Resistance and Resilience.” The event is focused on empowering communities and advocating for change.
“Throughout the past year, we have witnessed the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on our communities, not only in Illinois but also in Minnesota, North Carolina, and cities and towns nationwide,” emphasized Lawrence Benito, executive director of ICIRR.
The ICIRR kicked off their 2026 policy platform during their annual gathering held at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Over 400 people attend the summit and rally, supported by dozens of neighborhood and advocacy groups to demand change.
“HANA students share videos of ice goose stepping down the same streets they take to school,” said Andrew De Las Alas, HANA Center suburban youth program coordinator. “Their parents carry passports so they can prove their citizenship. And nearly every week, I hear about a neighbor or a student who has been taken or forced to self deport.”
Members and their supporters once again called on elected officials and legislators to support policies that “Fund immigrant services,” “Protect Illinoisans’ data from ICE and other federal agencies” and “Strengthen the Illinois TRUST Act,” the state law which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration actions, among other things.
“We know that Black and brown communities will be hit first and hardest,” District 85 Democrat State Rep. Dagmara Avelar said. “That’s not an accident. That’s the design. But here’s what we know, Illinois is not Washington.”
Organizers say their rally reaffirms their commitment to fight to abolish ICE and defeat the Trump administration’s agenda.
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