By Sarah Ray, Solidarity Team Member
Members of our Solidarity Team attended the immigration justice rally hosted by Indivisible Chicago, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), and dozens more local and national social justice organizations on Saturday, July 13. The rally at Daley Plaza attracted thousands of protesters in the wake of rumors that mass Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids would begin in Chicago and other cities that weekend.
About a dozen speakers addressed the rally to demand changes to the Trump administration’s immigration policy, particularly on the issue of family separation. Other demands were more localized, such as ending the Chicago Police Department’s collaboration with ICE and wiping out the city’s “gang database.”
Once the speakers concluded, protesters assembled for a march down Clark Street that culminated with a gathering in front of ICE offices on Congress Parkway. Along the way the crowd broke out in various chants, shouting “immigrants are welcome here” and “close the camps” among other, more expletive-ridden, slogans regarding the abolition of ICE.
Migration to America’s southwest border has seen record highs in 2019. The latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows that May alone saw over 144,000 apprehensions at the border—the highest in over 10 years. The dramatic uptick in crossings is primarily due to an increase in families attempting to seek asylum in the United States.
Many of these families come from Central American countries facing unprecedented levels of poverty and unemployment. Much of that poverty is brought on by the impacts of climate change, including droughts, heavy rains, and invasive species. According to a recent report from InsideClimate News, Central American countries are among the most heavily impacted by climate change, despite contributing little to overall greenhouse gas emissions. 
Ahead of vigils and rallies across the country, the Sierra Club emphasized its continued commitment to speak out against the ongoing injustice at the border. Executive Director Michael Brune stated in a press release: “Sierra Club is committed to joining with borderlands and immigrant communities against environmental and social injustice. When we are united as one progressive community, we are strong. The Trump administration must stop its inhumane treatment of migrant families and abandon its dangerous push for a border wall. The nation and the world are watching and demanding justice.”
What you can do to help
The ICIRR provides a wide range of helpful resources, including key information on immigrants’ rights and what to do if you are involved in or witness a potential raid.
You can also call ICIRR’s hotline, 1-855-435-7693, if you see a raid or suspect someone needs help. They recommend that you save this phone number to your contacts.
Photos by Caroline Wooten and Sarah Ray.
