Immigrant Rights Committee Calls for Probe into South Loop Raid as Chicago Police Justify Their Role

CHICAGO (WLS) — At a City Council committee hearing on Tuesday, Chicago police officials stood by the actions taken by CPD during a turbulent day in early June, which involved demonstrators, immigration authorities, and the police force.

City Council’s Committee on Immigration and Refugee Rights is demanding an investigation into the events of June 4.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

That day, a group started to assemble at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program Office, also known as ISAP, located on South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop.

“Upon our arrival, we noticed many community members, relatives, and neighbors anxiously waiting for updates on the status of their loved ones who had been detained at this facility,” said Ald. Anthony Joel Quezada of the 35th Ward.

Quezada was one of several alders who showed up at the office after the arrests of at least 10 people who were taken into custody after receiving text messages to show up for a routine United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement appointment.

ABC7 Chicago blurred their faces because it is unknown if they are facing any charges.

Immigration activists claim they witnessed Chicago police officers going in and out of the ICE building, possibly violating the city’s Welcoming Ordinance and the state’s TRUST Act.

“At no time was there any meeting with ICE agents in terms of making partnerships or support of that; our only reason for being there was to assess to public safety,” CPD Director of Community Policing Glen Brooks said Tuesday.

He said, when called to the scene, officers didn’t even know the unmarked office belonged to ICE.

“I believe what the Chicago Police Department is saying today is accurate. I believe that they were following the protocols. But again, what we’re trying to just figure out, in totality, is, what are those protocols?” Quezada said.

City Council members passed an order demanding all police communication and body camera video from June 4. They also are calling for an internal investigation. However, which government entity performs one is unclear.

“The officers could have made every right call imaginable. But, if you don’t have the evidence to show that, the public may not have the trust of that department doing the right job,” said Ald. Andre Vasquez, Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights chair.

Whether it is police internal affairs, the Office of Inspector General or the independent agency the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, alders are hoping one of the agencies performs an investigation as soon as possible in order to learn and avoid another chaotic ICE situation.

Related Coverage:

-Several taken into ICE custody in South Loop after being asked to attend routine check-in: Advocates
-Chicago leaders call for investigation after South Loop ICE operation, calling it an ‘entrapment’
-Mayor expects more ICE agents to arrive in Chicago soon to conduct workplace raids
-Mother in US for 10 years, avid church volunteer among those detained by ICE in South Loop
-Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testifies in DC at sanctuary city hearing