CHICAGO (AP) — A commission formed to address allegations of abuse by federal agents during a recent immigration crackdown in the Chicago area gathered for its first public hearing Thursday. The operation, which commenced in September, faced backlash due to aggressive tactics widely criticized by judges, local leaders, and community members. Created by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the commission seeks to investigate reports of misconduct during this federal initiative.
Former federal judge Rubén Castillo, who is leading the commission, highlighted the impossibility of accepting the treatment observed during the immigration crackdown, insisting that such behavior cannot become the new normal. The hearing comes amid significant arrests, sparking further scrutiny as community members described experiences of fear and intimidation.
The commission's efforts include reviewing testimony and videos of egregious incidents, such as the use of pepper spray against a toddler. Although the commission has limitations in terms of enforcing legal actions or compelling testimonies, it plans to release a report with recommendations next year.
Community leaders express that the operation's impact has been devastating, affecting local businesses and school attendance, particularly in Little Village, a predominantly Latino neighborhood severely affected by the crackdown. Mayor Daniel Biss of Evanston confronted a senior Border Patrol official after witnessing agents patrolling the area, advocating against further intimidation tactics.
Former federal judge Rubén Castillo, who is leading the commission, highlighted the impossibility of accepting the treatment observed during the immigration crackdown, insisting that such behavior cannot become the new normal. The hearing comes amid significant arrests, sparking further scrutiny as community members described experiences of fear and intimidation.
The commission's efforts include reviewing testimony and videos of egregious incidents, such as the use of pepper spray against a toddler. Although the commission has limitations in terms of enforcing legal actions or compelling testimonies, it plans to release a report with recommendations next year.
Community leaders express that the operation's impact has been devastating, affecting local businesses and school attendance, particularly in Little Village, a predominantly Latino neighborhood severely affected by the crackdown. Mayor Daniel Biss of Evanston confronted a senior Border Patrol official after witnessing agents patrolling the area, advocating against further intimidation tactics.
