| | Neighbors,
One year ago, on October 3rd, I received a call that ICE was kidnapping people in the 26th Ward. As helicopters tracked our moves from the sky, agents were pepper-spraying people in the street.
Neighbors helped flush the remnants of the pepper spray from their eyes and took statements as the next call came, then the next. One call took me to Humboldt Park Health, where I asked agents if they had a signed judicial warrant for a man hospitalized after being injured during an encounter with ICE. (Read what I wrote that day.)
I was met with violence and handcuffs.
That day lives in my body in many ways, as I know the trauma of the past year remains in all of our immigrant families’ bodies.
What came after was phenomenal. Neighbors made, wore, and shared whistles to alert each other when ICE was on the block. School watch volunteers kept all 18 of our schools safe. The Northwest Side Deportation Defense network has been essential for educating and organizing blocks, advocating for accountability, filing lawsuits, and changing laws.
Three days after I was handcuffed, Mayor Brandon Johnson declared all city property as ICE-free zones. In March, City Council passed my ordinance giving COPA the direct authority to investigate Chicago Police Department violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance. And Congresswoman Delia Ramirez recently announced the Re-Imagining Safety Act to abolish the agency altogether.
During Operation Midway Blitz, ICE detained over 4,000 people in this region. 85% had no criminal conviction, and 120 were citizens. The mass raids and parades down our streets are gone, but ICE is not. The abductions are quieter and more targeted now, which means our neighbors depend on us even more. Family members are still being taken; people are still living in fear. There are fewer active neighbors protecting our children and families than last year. We need more of us beside them. As a community organizer, what I know to be true is that the best way to fight fear is to be informed and to build community. Find the role that fits you best.
A year ago, I learned that a title doesn’t protect you; your community does. One year later, we are still the solution. |
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| 40 Years Later: The People’s Vision for Immigration Reform The last time Congress enacted immigration reform was before I was born. Signed by President Ronald Reagan, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 created pathways to citizenship for approximately 2.7 million immigrants. And 40 years later, 19 members of congress, over 60 community organizations, the Northwest Side Progressive electeds, and I are demanding updates.
Over the years, what our families have been told is that it’s not the right time for change. That only a select few may have a passage to citizenship. That the select few should feel lucky. Our communities have survived following the pathway laid out 40 years ago, only to be kidnapped and deported to countries they do not call home. Congresswoman Ramirez’s resolution calls on Congress to transform our immigration system and advance humane immigration reform with: Pathways to citizenship for the millions of undocumented, long-term residents of the United States who are our family members, friends, and neighbors; Humanitarian protections that welcome the dignity those who are seeking safety and asylum in the United States, upholding our domestic and international legal obligations to provide refuge to those in need; and Expanded legal pathways for family and employment immigration, recognizing that family unity and strengthened protections for all workers in the United States are foundations of thriving communities for all.
This is the floor of what our country and its workers deserve. |
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Solidarity Day in Humboldt Park This past Saturday, our office joined Streetwork Collective and fellow community organizations for Solidarity Day at Humboldt Park. The event connected our unhoused neighbors with resources, support, and community. We want to thank Streetwork Collective for their incredible work reaching out to unhoused residents, building relationships, and ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors are not forgotten. As the days get shorter and the weather colder, community care and solidarity is paramount to supporting neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. We are still hosting Socktober in our office. Stop by and drop off some socks ahead of the cold weather. |
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Senior Wellness Fair Recap The weather was overcast and rainy, but inside Mozart Park, our seniors packed the gym for our Senior Wellness Day. We started the morning with coffee and conversation, catching up with each other and visiting the resource tables from our community partners. Seniors burned off breakfast with accessible Zumba – both standing and sitting so everyone could move at their own pace. Thank you to the Chicago Park District at Mozart Park for hosting us, and to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Senator Omar Aquino, State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, 8th District Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez, and our community partners for bringing resources directly to our elders and making this event come to life. |
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Falling Leaves and Clear Drains Make Beautiful Blocks! Fall in the 26th Ward is beautiful, and this week our tree friends began shedding their leaves in anticipation of the winter to come. As you rake your leaves, please remember to bag them and set them out in the alley or on the curb for collection. As we continue to experience historic rainfall, fallen leaves can clog sewer drains and contribute to severe street flooding. Keeping our drains clear is one simple way we can help protect our neighbors and our homes. Let's work together to keep our blocks beautiful, our drains clear, and our neighborhood ready for the changing seasons! |
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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund for Small Businesses & Cultural Projects Applications for the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) are open! The program provides grants of up to $250,000 to support business and cultural projects along eligible commercial corridors on the West, Southwest, and South sides. Grants reimburse up to 75% of eligible project expenses. Applications are accepted year-round, with the next quarterly review deadline on Friday, November 13, at 11:59 PM. For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit Chicago.gov/NOF |
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| Community Safety Committee Last week, the Community Safety Committee met to create safe spaces in the 26th Ward and to make sure residents can connect with the resources they need. The Fiesta Boricua festival brought individuals from across the city together and created opportunities for residents to connect and enjoy the weekend. Visitors from Puerto Rico expressed their appreciation for the festival’s cultural affirmation. We recognize that the festival continues to grow, and we will continue listening to residents as we explore ways to make future festivals more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone. We also look forward to the Haunted Paseo on Saturday, October 31, from 12:00–5:00 p.m. PRCC, BUILD and ALSO will collaborate to host a haunted house and maze. Families can enjoy music, food, candy, and activities for children.
Our next Community Safety Town Hall will take place on Wednesday, December 9. We are reimagining the town hall as a space for residents to share ideas, ask questions, learn about community resources, and work together on solutions. Community organizations will share information about programs and services, and we hope to include discussions about crime statistics, SNAP benefits, reentry services, Community Violence Intervention (CVI), housing stability, and other issues that affect public safety. We encourage residents to attend, participate, and help shape the conversation.
Mental health also remains an important topic in the community. Local organizations are exploring ways to connect residents with mental health counselors, healing circles, culturally responsive services, reentry support, and other resources. We want residents to know that they do not have to navigate difficult circumstances alone. Thank you to every resident, organization, volunteer, and community partner who continues to contribute time, ideas, and energy. Your participation makes our community stronger. We invite everyone to stay connected, attend upcoming events, share resources with neighbors, and bring your ideas to our public town halls. Together, we can continue building a safer, healthier, and more connected community. As always, WE KEEP US SAFE |
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| Early Voting Opens at Humboldt Library on Monday, October 19 To prepare for early voting in the ward, visit our new page with General Election information and an FAQ for our 26th Ward ballot referendum questions on shared housing! Still have questions? Send an email so we can add to the site. |
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| In Solidarity,
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes |
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| | | Immigration Rights Resources |
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| | | Construction season has begun! Don't forget to check out our construction projects for updates on upcoming work in your neighborhood. |
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| | The 26th Ward's community-led zoning process requires anyone requesting a zoning change to first complete a zoning intake form. After review, they present their request to the Zoning Advisory Committee and answer questions. In some cases, they may also present at a community input meeting. |
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| If you know someone looking for reproductive justice resources in Chicago, they can go to this Department of Public Health resource page to use the City’s digital community resource directory. There is also a free talkline (1-888-493-0092) where operators are available to share information on various reproductive justice options. |
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| | | | | If you need assistance with a city service, let us know! You can submit your request through our website, by giving us a call, or submitting a request directly to 311.chicago.gov. Our team is here to provide the support you need and ensure our community thrives. |
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