Press

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Commends the Nomination of the first Black Woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the United States Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2022

CHICAGO, IL - President Biden’s historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is cause for celebration. The president has fulfilled his promise to nominate someone who has a strong commitment to our Constitution and has dedicated her career to equal justice. She will be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. For nearly a decade, she has served as a fair-minded jurist on both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and D.C. District Court where she has upheld the rights of all people, not just the wealthy and powerful. She has a stellar reputation as a judge, and her experience as a federal public defender and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission will bring much-needed perspectives to the Court.

Judge Jackson, who was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Miami, graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She went on to clerk for recently retired Justice Breyer during the 1999-2000 Supreme Court term.

As the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we believe it is incumbent on all elected officials to use their power and influence to contribute to the well-being of the communities. Judge Jackson is an outstanding nominee for the Supreme Court, and the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus urges the Senate to move forward with a fair and timely confirmation.

Guest User 1/24/22 Guest User 1/24/22

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus on the Shooting Death of Eight-Year-Old Melissa Ortega from Little Village

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2022

CHICAGO - Eight-year-old Melissa Ortega was tragically shot and killed while walking down the street with her mother this past weekend. Once again, we have lost a child who will not have a chance to reach her full potential. The shooting death of Melissa Ortega is a tragedy by all measures. Our deepest condolences and love go out to her mother and the Ortega family as they mourn the death of their daughter, a third grader at Zapata Elementary School. Last year, her family brought her to Chicago from Mexico to give her a future and keep her safe only to be shot dead in broad daylight.

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story. We hear the same struggles, aspirations, and tribulations Chicago immigrant families often face.

Children deserve to feel safe and live in communities that support their health and emotional well-being. The City of Chicago must make intentional investments in communities like La Villita and deeply examine the distribution of resources for families so that Brown and Black children have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential.

Guns and gangs are terrorizing our Chicago neighborhoods. We must work everyday for peace and safety. All residents of Chicago should feel safe in their communities. We must also invest in evidence-based public safety resources and strategies available to heal and protect our communities.

As the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, we believe it is incumbent on all elected officials to use their power and influence to contribute to the well-being of the communities. The violence afflicting Chicago is on the same scale as a public health crisis and demands a commensurate response. The dangers presented by gang and gun violence threaten the lives of our children, our communities, and the very fabric of our society. We demand immediate and positive action to address this rampant problem in the City of Chicago.

Guest User 11/30/21 Guest User 11/30/21

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Elects New 2021-2023 Executive Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2021

CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is proud to announce their new 2021-2023 Executive Committee. The Latino Caucus unanimously elected Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36) as Chairman of the Caucus who succeeded Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26). Ald. Villegas previously served as Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Executive Committee listed here.

Chairman, Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36)
Vice Chair, Alderman Silvana Tabares (23)
Treasurer, Alderman Andre Vasquez (40)
Secretary, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35)

“I want to thank Alderman Roberto Maldonado for leading us these past two years and say that I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to be his successor,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas. “With their support, I know we will continue identifying key issues affecting Latinos, and developing avenues to empower the Latino community throughout Chicago.”

Gilbert Villegas was first elected to City Council in 2015. He represents the 36th Ward on Chicago’s Northwest Side and includes the neighborhoods of Portage Park, Hermosa, Dunning, Belmont Cragin and Montclare.

“Alderman Gilbert Villegas is an effective leader with the necessary knowledge and skills to represent and defend the rights of the Latino community,” expressed Alderman Roberto Maldonado. “He continues to be a fierce advocate for positive change and I strongly believe his record, passion and determination is what we need for the Latino Caucus to achieve its mission.” Alderman Gilbert Villegas will assume the role of Chairman on May 25, 2021.

The Latino Caucus also unanimously elected Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10) as the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Chairman for a two-year term. He previously served as Secretary of the Latino Caucus. The Foundation was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth. The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Executive Committee listed here.

Chairman, Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10)
Vice Chairman, Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez (25)
Treasurer, Alderman George Cardenas (12)
Secretary, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1)

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Maldonado (26), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Will Not Hold a Special Council Meeting about Redistricting on Tuesday, November 30, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2021

CHICAGO - Despite holding a four-hour virtual hearing to discuss the City's proposed map on Monday, November 29, the Chicago City Council Committee on Rules and Committees again failed to reveal its proposed map to the public or even to the City Council. The deadline to pass a map is midnight on Wednesday, December 1.

We are disappointed that during the hearing, Committee leaders attacked members of the Latino Caucus who are advocating for Latinos with spurious scolding that we failed to advise the Committee about the needs of our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth. We announced our principles and our goals more than three months ago. We provided our maps and our electronic data six weeks ago. Since then, members of the Latino Caucus and our allies have been shut out of the City's mapping process through prevarication, distortion, and double-talk.

The Chicago Coalition Map is the product of governance at its best. It protects and brings together Black, White, and Latino communities, preserves communities of interest, and satisfies progressives and moderates, all while following the data and the law.

The lack of transparency is appalling and deeply damaging to public trust. According to the census, Latinos now make up 30% of Chicago’s population. We will not accept any map that creates less than 15 wards or that creates weak wards where Latinos will not be able to elect the candidates of their choice.

Regrettably, we suspected the mapping process might be unfair to Latinos because from the start when we demanded 15 Latino-majority wards, a ratio that is consistent with the data and the law, Committee leaders and mappers refused to acknowledge the growth of the Latino community.

The Latino Caucus will not support deals made in backrooms and behind closed doors that will disenfranchise Latinos, a protected class. The City's redistricting process has been the least transparent in Chicago's history. Although the Committee has not released its map and the people who control the process have created a septic atmosphere, we hold out hope that our colleagues in the City Council will do the right thing and will stand up for the Latino community.

We have in good faith tried to negotiate but it is apparent that there is not a will to have true negotiations and serious compromise. We have cancelled the Special Committee meeting formerly scheduled for Tuesday, November 30. We will give the Committee another 24 hours to come clean, do the right thing, and meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act.

A referendum remains a real possibility. Sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map continue to encourage the City Council to pass a legally defensible map. A map that disenfranchises minorities will require a referendum and will invite litigation that could cost taxpayers millions.

Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus and Allies of the Chicago Coalition Map

Chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th)
Vice Chair Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd)
Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1st)
Ald. Anthony Beale (9th)
Ald. Susan Sadlowski-Garza (10th)
Ald. George Cardenas (12th)
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th)
Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd)
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th)
Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th)
Ald. Felix Cardona (31st)
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33rd)
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th)
Ald. Andre Vazquez (40th)

Guest User 11/29/21 Guest User 11/29/21

The Chicago City Council Will Not Hold a Special Council Meeting about Redistricting on Monday, November 29, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council will not hold a Special Council meeting about redistricting on Monday, November 29. Latino Caucus members and other sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map worked through the weekend to identify areas of conflict between their map and proposed wards that have not been made public by the Rules Committee.

With the December 1st deadline looming, a referendum remains a real possibility. Sponsors of the Chicago Coalition Map continue to encourage the City Council to pass a legally defensible map. A map that disenfranchises minorities will require a referendum and will invite litigation that could cost taxpayers millions. Alderpersons who previously called for Monday’s special meeting have asked the City Council to cancel it to allow members to continue to negotiate.

Guest User 10/23/21 Guest User 10/23/21

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Congratulates the Illinois General Assembly on the Newly Drawn Congressional Map

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus would like to congratulate the Illinois General Assembly, especially Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus for ensuring that the Latino community’s voice is reflective in the newly drawn congressional maps.

Over 2.2 million Latinos call Illinois home, the Latino population in Illinois is the fifth largest in the nation and it is only fair that Congress reflect and represent this growth. Latino legislative representation in Congress has grown consistently over the past 40 years but still remains far from proportional to the Latino share of the United States population. The Illinois General Assembly has an opportunity to ensure that Latinos add a seat that would further improve the efforts to reach parity representation in Congress.

“Latinos have chosen to make Illinois their home and we are committed to this great state. In Chicago, the Latino Caucus is working hard to ensure that our community is fairly represented and we are happy to see that the General Assembly has that same mission,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Alderman Gilbert Villegas.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus urges Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign this map into law immediately upon passage.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andre Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Presents a Report Card on Mayor Lightfoot’s Job on Latino Hiring and Representation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2021

CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus gives Mayor Lori Lightfoot, now over halfway through her four-year term, an overall grade of a ‘D’ for Latino hiring and representation during her tenure. There is a problem with equity and representation in city government and the Latino Caucus sees the biggest issue with this at the highest levels of the Mayor’s administration.

The Latino Caucus looked at representation in four areas in the Mayor’s administration -- overall city workforce, Boards and Commissions, city departments, and the Mayor’s cabinet.

The data was provided by the City of Chicago Human Resources department and was analyzed by the Latino Policy Forum. Latino representation should be at 30%, the grading scale is as follows:

100-90% = A

89-80% = B

79-70% = C

69-60% = D

Below 59% = F

According to the U.S. Census Chicago's population is 30% Latino, yet, the city’s entire workforce is only 22.5% Latino - which is generous because it includes City Council members and staff. Regardless, by no means does the city workforce represent the makeup of the city.

● The Mayor gets a C- for Latino representation in the City’s workforce.

Mayoral-appointed Board and Commission membership falls short in terms of Latino makeup and representation of where it should be but this is where we see the strongest showing of Latino representation. Latinos makeup 28% of Board and Commission membership.

● The Mayor gets an A for Latino representation among members of Boards and Commissions.

However, Mayoral-appointed leadership and decision-making roles on Boards and Commissions is where we see a disparity. Latinos makeup only 21% of leadership roles on Boards and Commissions.

● The Mayor gets a C- for Latino representation among leadership on Boards and Commissions.

Every department in the city has decision makers. The Latino Caucus defined decision making roles as superintendents, chiefs, deputies, etc. Only 17% of employees in leadership and decision-making roles across the city’s departments are Latino.

● The Mayor gets an F for Latino representation in decision-making roles across all departments in City government.

The Mayor has 32 cabinet members who are her closest advisors making decisions and overseeing all areas of city government. Of those 32 cabinet members, only four of them are Latino. That means only 12 ½ % of her cabinet membership is Latino.

● The Mayor gets an F for Latino representation in her cabinet.

All of this amounts to the Mayor earning a D in Latino hiring and representation under her leadership. There is not one category where Latino employment is representative of the population of the City of Chicago.

“There’s no question that the budget we heard today was developed with input from too few Latinos in decision-making roles,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), “Until that happens we’ll continue to see inadequate investment in our Latino community and in areas of our city that have suffered for too long.”

The Latino Caucus will be submitting a resolution for the next City Council meeting to introduce a Hispanic Inclusion Plan, complete with an advisory board. It is imperative there is Latino representation in the Mayor’s administration and in our city government reflects the makeup of our city. This plan will ensure the City is assessing the makeup of its workforce annually and putting plans in place to grow representation at all levels: supervisory, professional, technical and managerial.

“How can we be sure that we’re fairly investing in the right programs, that decisions about health and safety are being made with balanced input from Latinos? Right now there’s no balance,” said Vice Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), “The Latino population in Chicago continues to grow, yet we don’t see that growth happening in leadership roles in the Mayor’s administration.”

Last week, the Latino Caucus sent the Mayor a list of budget demands which includes bringing the total investment of the Immigrant Defense Fund to $5 million, funding the expansion of crisis response, rapid rehousing, cash assistance, child care assistance, small business support, community organization nonprofit funding, and much more.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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Census data released today The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will work to draw a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2021

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus welcomes the release of the official U.S. Census data as we begin our decennial reapportionment process of the City’s population, and the redistricting of the 50 wards.

According to the Census data released today, the City of Chicago’s total population is 2,746,388. Of that, 819,518 identify as Latino which is 30% of the City population. 863,622 people identify as white only which is 31% of the population, 787,551 people identify as Black only, which is 29% of the population, and 189,857 people identify as Asian only which is 7% of the population.

Based on these Census numbers, the Latino population has grown despite the rhetoric that came out of Washington during the past administration. Latinos remain underrepresented on the City Council. The Voting Rights Act and State Law require that each ward should have the same number of residents, with as little deviation as is practicable. In addition, the Voting Rights Act requires that protected groups have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The Latino Caucus will be examining the data along with the current map and any potential changes to the City’s 50 Wards to ensure that we comply with the Voting Rights Act and all other, applicable legal requirements.

“The release of the U.S. Census data today means it's time to start the process of drawing a fair map for Chicago that gives everyone a voice,” said Gilbert Villegas, chairman of the Latino Caucus. “The Latino Caucus will work with the entire City Council to put forward a map that fairly represents all communities.”

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 7/21/21 Guest User 7/21/21

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ruling made on July 16, 2021 and demands it be appealed immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2021

CHICAGO, IL - Last week a federal judge in Texas ruled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an imperative program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented young adults from deportation, as unlawful. This throws into question yet again the fate of immigrants known as Dreamers.

On Wednesday, the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus introduced a resolution in support of immigration demands being lifted up by Chicago immigrant rights advocates. These demands include Congress passing a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and essential workers passed in budget reconciliation; and new Department of Homeland Security guidance on enforcement priorities that will reduce deportations.

“The latest DACA ruling only increases urgency for Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship now, through budget reconciliation. The Illinois delegation, particularly Senators Durbin and Duckworth, must be leaders in ensuring that this happens,” said Chairwoman of the Immigration Rights Subcommittee of the Latino Caucus, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33), “Passing a pathway to citizenship must happen alongside suspended ICE enforcement. Even as we separate ICE from local police in Chicago and across the state, our communities will not be protected from deportation without the President and the Department of Homeland Security enacting new internal policies to protect immigrant families.”

The U.S. is currently home to eleven million undocumented immigrants, including half a million who reside in Illinois, of which approximately 300,000 live in Chicago. The City of Chicago and the United States were founded by immigrants, who have traveled from around the world seeking a better life. Our nation’s immigration system should uphold our basic values of family, economic opportunity, and fairness.

“There are 300,000 undocumented immigrants in the city of Chicago, and even more who are children or partners of immigrants,” said Alderman Carlos Rosa (35), Secretary of the Latino Caucus, “This is a moment for us on the City Council to show our support of the organizations in our wards and across the city who are part of the movement for immigrant rights and to win citizenship for all right now.”

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. The Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 7/21/21 Guest User 7/21/21

PRESS CONFERENCE: Chicago City Council Latino Caucus resolution calls on Congress, Biden to protect immigrants this year

Demands include a pathway to citizenship in budget reconciliation, cut immigration enforcement spending, and new guidance reduce deportations

MEDIA ADVISORY
July 21, 2021

CHICAGO -- After last week’s court ruling that strikes down DACA for new applicants, the urgency to create a pathway to citizenship at the federal level has increased. Congress has an opportunity right now to pass a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and essential workers this year through the budget reconciliation process. Additionally, President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security can cut spending on immigration enforcement, and issue new guidance to reduce deportations nationwide.

Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus will discuss a City Council resolution calling on the Illinois delegation to pass a pathway to citizenship this year, and for the President and DHS to reduce deportations. Leaders with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will provide expertise and share a personal testimony.

WHAT: Press conference with the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus and ICIRR
WHEN: Thursday, July 22 at 10:00am
WHERE: Virtual, over Zoom
REGISTER: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82536191736
WHO: Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Brighton Park Neighborhood Council

Reporters who wish to ask questions may register for the Zoom (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82536191736) or watch on Facebook at Facebook.com/ICIRR

Guest User 7/17/21 Guest User 7/17/21

Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ruling made on July 16, 2021 and demands it be appealed immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2021

CHICAGO, IL - Yesterday, a federal judge in Texas ruled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an imperative program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented young adults from deportation, as unlawful. This throws into question yet again the fate of immigrants known as Dreamers.

“Hundreds of thousands of individual DACA recipients, along with their employers, states, and loved ones, rely on the DACA program,” said Chairman of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), “Latinos make up the fabric of this country, this ruling is deeply concerning and will have many undocumented immigrants only look to an uncertain future.”

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus was created to fight for the well-being and betterment of all Latino residents of Chicago. We stand against this horrible ruling that will inhibit thousands of residents from leading fruitful lives filled with opportunity. Almost a decade since the program was established, DACA is still one of the only signs of relief for undocumented immigrants looking to remain and work in the U.S.

“We can’t allow any court to turn back the clock on the rights that have been fought so hard for. The only direction we are moving in is towards expansion of those rights and a path to citizenship,” said Chairwoman of the Immigrant Rights Subcommittee of the Latino Caucus, Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), “Protecting our immigrant community is a priority and we will fight to ensure all our undocumented siblings are safe.”

The judge who made the ruling, Andrew S. Hanen of the United States District Court in Houston, said President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created DACA by executive order in 2012. The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus condemns this ruling and demands it be appealed immediately.

The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36) and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Robert Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

Guest User 5/26/21 Guest User 5/26/21

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Elects New 2021-2023 Executive Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021

Chairman, Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36)
Vice Chair, Alderman Silvana Tabares (23)
Treasurer, Alderman Andre Vasquez (40)
Secretary, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35)

Chairman, Alderman Michael Rodriguez (10)
Vice Chairman, Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez (25)
Treasurer, Alderman George Cardenas (12)
Secretary, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1)

Guest User 4/23/21 Guest User 4/23/21

The Chicago Latino Caucus Joins Latino Lawyers in Calling for DOJ Investigation in the Shooting Death of Adam Toledo and Increased Resources for Schools and Youth in the Latino Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021

CHICAGO – The City Council’s Latino Caucus join Latino Lawyers in their call for the Department of Justice to deputize the U.S. Department of Civil Rights to conduct an investigation into the circumstances that led to, and resulted in, the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, and to determine whether the constitutional and civil rights of Adam Toledo were violated.

That investigation should specifically look into the following areas:

Establish clear procedures and policies outlining the circumstances under which police officers can engage in foot chases, with criteria to discipline officers who do not follow the procedures.
There must be clear procedures and policies governing any interactions between the police and children especially when lethal force is used. No more “Adam Cases.” The police video of the shooting in Adam’s case shows a terrified 13-year-old boy running from the police, disposing of what appears to be a gun, and then complying with the officer’s commands, including stopping, turning around with his empty hands raised, and then getting shot in the chest. Adam obeyed the commands of the officer that was chasing him. Yet, he was shot in the chest and died in the alley in less than a minute after being shot. This is a tragedy that could have and should have been prevented had the police department had clear policies and procedures governing the use of lethal force against our children during foot chases.
Establish clear procedures and policies setting forth the circumstances under which police officers can engage in car chases in densely populated neighborhoods. This is especially the case when the offense involves minor traffic infractions, such as the failure to activate a turning signal, broken taillight, displaying hanging items from the rearview mirror, playing loud music, etc. These minor infractions cannot be used as a pretext to engage in high speed chases through our neighborhoods that endanger everyone in the community.

The policies and procedures that result from the investigation must then be incorporated into a consent decree with judicial oversight to ensure that they are meaningfully enforced and implemented.

“Latino youth, especially those returning to CPS Little Village classrooms after the video release of Adam’s shooting, need increased support services and safe spaces for the last quarter of the school year and over the summer months” said Caucus Member, Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez. “We demand more counselors and social workers to provide services to these traumatized youth. With the current student populations across southwest side schools, there is a need for hundreds of more social workers and school counselors”, added Alderman Rodriguez.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus demands that Mayor Lightfoot and CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson target funds in excess of $80 Million to the Little Village community and other Latino community schools from the close to $2 billion dollars received from federal relief in order to meet the needs of our children. In addition, “our teenage youth need year-round jobs, that go beyond “One Summer Chicago,” we need a partnership between public and private entities to create job opportunities for our most at-risk youth”, added Caucus Chairman, Alderman Roberto Maldonado.

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Latino Caucus Outraged by Trump’s Immigration Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2019

CHICAGO (March 16, 2019) – Today President Donald Trump announced a new immigration plan that clearly demonstrates that he does not understand the past, present or future of the United States. He does not understand that both Chicago and the United States were built on the broad shoulders of immigrants.

Thankfully, there is no chance that this racist policy will never become law. But it is extremely worrisome that once again the President of the United States is willing to stand up and advocate for racism. It is nearly as worrisome that the President believes he could be the one to determine what is “merit based.” Over and over again, this President has demonstrated that the only population he values is Caucasian men.

The Latino Caucus stands united with the inscription on the Statue of Liberty:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Our Caucus will do everything we can to fight against President Trump’s racist policy. While we are glad this particular policy is dead on arrival, it is only one example of the harm being done by the President.

The City Council’s Latino Caucus includes 10 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Caucus includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Daniel Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35).

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Latinos will help determine Chicago’s next mayor

Every poll published thus far points to Latino’s growing power in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2019

CHICAGO – For the first time in the history of Chicago, two women of color are facing off for the top executive seat in City Hall. Given that the Latino community is the largest minority group in Chicago, there is no doubt Latinos will have a significant say in who that Mayor will be. Despite the obvious strength in numbers, Latinos continue to be severely underrepresented at all levels of City government. A recent survey conducted by the the Latino Caucus surveyed a number of City departments for leadership and employment demographics, and the results continue to disappoint. Only 19% of Chicago’s municipal workforce is Latino, and a unacceptable 2% are in decision making roles.

“To truly reform our city, we need to be mindful and inclusive of the Latino community. As the largest minority group in Chicago, it is vital that the new administration taps into the Latino talent pipeline and make Latino representation at all levels of government a priority,” said Alderman Villegas, Chairman of the Latino Caucus.

As we enter the final stage of electing our next Mayor, the Latino Caucus is asking both candidates to commit to making Latino inclusiveness in municipal leadership roles, key government positions, and certainly within her cabinet.

“Chicago’s leadership must mirror the make-up of its constituencies, the next Mayor must not turn a blind eye to Chicago’s current and evolving demographics,” said Alderman….

“Latinos represent approximately 1/3 of our population and only 2% of leadership or decision making roles for City government, this is not acceptable,” said Alderman… “Our leadership must represent those we are priviledged to serve. The next Mayor of our great city can and must have a positive impact in the short and near term.”

The City Council’s Latino Caucus includes 12 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Daniel Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus.

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Latino Caucus Celebrates Census Question Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2019

Today, United States District Judge Jesse Furman stood with all Americans by declaring that the Trump administration would not be allowed to inject their racist agenda into the 2020 Census:

“Secretary Ross’s decision to add a citizenship question was ‘arbitrary and capricious’ on its own terms: He failed to consider several important aspects of the problem; alternately ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence in the record before him; acted irrationally both in light of that evidence and his own stated decisional criteria; and failed to justify significant departures from past policies and practices ― a veritable smorgasbord of classic, clear-cut APA violations,” said Judge Furman in his decision.

“This decision is a big win for Chicagoans regardless of their background,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Latino Caucus. “This was nothing more than a political move by President Trump intended to strip resources from urban hubs like Chicago.”

“Frankly, my community has seen first hand how much it can hurt when the President of the United States wants you to go away,” said Alderman Joe Moreno of the 1st Ward. “The fact that his Administration would be so openly and honestly against us.”

“Judge Furman stood with all Americans today,” said Alderman George Cardenas of the 12th Ward. “While I am disgusted by the President, I am proud that we live in a country where a Judge can stand up to the President.”

The Census is used to determine how many congressional seats are allotted to each state and how nearly $700 billion in federal funds are spent. Experts from across the political spectrum agreed that adding a citizenship question would have limited responses from the Latino Community.

“Judge Furman made the correct decision today,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the 35th Ward. “He determined that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross broke the law. All Americans should be appalled that the federal government is intentionally breaking the law to push their personal, racist agenda.”

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Latino Caucus Outraged at Trump’s Imprisoned Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2018

The fact that the Trump Administration still has young people imprisoned with no hope in sight is an abomination. Moreover, the fact that children were ever incarcerated is something all Americans should be ashamed of. Things continue to get worse, and nearly three months after a federal judge ordered the reunification of families, children remain separated from their families.

“President Trump’s so called “zero tolerance” immigration policy drew a great deal of outrage over the summer when Americans saw thousands of children locked in prisons,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chair of the Latino Caucus. “But hundreds of children are still locked up and our country seems to have gotten bored with the issue. Disgusting.”

All indications are that President Trump and his administration are simply unwilling to do what it will take to reunite the remaining children.

“Frankly, President Trump broke the very basic code set forth by the Bible and morality,” said ALDERMAN BLANK. “Now he is knowingly breaking the law and that moral code we all live by. Where is the outrage?”

“There is absolutely no excuse for these children to still locked up. None,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas. “A federal judge said they had to move Heaven and Earth to reunite these children. They did not, and children are still separated from their families. Why are we not throwing these people who promised reunions in prison?”

“President Trump has been flagrantly breaking the law by incarcerating children for 3 months,” steamed ALDERMAN BLANK. “These are children, behind bars.”

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Latino Caucus Celebrates Momentous Day For Chicago’s Latino Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2018

CHICAGO – On a busy day at Chicago’s City Council the Latino Caucus stood strong in celebration. The day started with the Caucus members holding signs that read “Families Belong Together,” a sentiment shared by every member of the City Council.

Soon thereafter, the Caucus celebrated the official swearing in of Silvana Tabares as the new Alderman of the 23rd Ward. After the City Council meeting, Alderman Tabares officially became a member of the Latino Caucus, pledging to work with her new colleagues to ensure all Chicagoans have a strong voice in City Government.

“We are facing tough times in the United States. The President of the United States is attempting to trample the Constitution while using young children as pawns of his disgusting political games,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward and Chairman of the City Council’s Latino Caucus. “Now we have another powerful voice on our side. I know Alderman Tabares will be a great member of the Latino Caucus, just when we need her the most.”

“At last year’s Latino Caucus’ Foundation Gala we raised over $350,000 for college scholarships,” said Alderman Ricardo Muñoz of the 22nd Ward, “with the help of Alderman Tabares, our goal is to strengthen and grow the Caucus even further to continue making a greater impact in our community.”

The 2018 Latino Caucus Foundation Gala will take place on September 21st at the Bridgeport Art Center. Members have already begun the fundraising effort for the 2018 Gala with official invitations going out in Mid-July.

The City Councils’ Latino Caucus now includes 12 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Alderman Proco Joe Moreno - 1st Ward, Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza - 10th Ward, Alderman George Cardenas - 12th Ward, Alderman Raymond Lopez - 15th Ward, Alderman Ricardo Muñoz - 22nd Ward, Alderman Silvana Tabares – 23rd Ward, Alderman Daniel Solis - 25th Ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward, Alderman Ariel Reboyras - 30th Ward, Alderman Milly Santiago - 31st Ward and Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward.

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New UIC Report: Growing Latino population needs more educational, economic resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2017

CHICAGO – Before the Chicago City Council meeting this morning, the City Council’s Latino Caucus, Metropolitan Family Services and the University of Illinois at Chicago held a joint press conference announcing a new report entitled The Latino Neighborhoods Report: Issues and Prospects for Chicago, which highlights the growing opportunities and challenges of the city’s Latino population.

This report, commissioned by Metropolitan Family Services to further its delivery of social services, presents demographic characteristics of Latinos in Chicago and examines the neighborhoods with a majority Latino population.

The report uses primarily U.S. Census Data and examines 12 of the City’s neighborhoods where Latinos are prevalent. Among the findings in the report:

The Latino population has increased substantially and is widely distributed throughout Chicago neighborhoods.  
Current levels of education for Latinos lag behind White and Black populations.  
Income levels of Latinos lag behind non-Hispanic White populations citywide but Latinos have higher median  household incomes in 5 of 12 predominantly Latino neighborhoods.  
Latino neighborhoods have higher concentrations of their labor force in manufacturing and typically low paying  service industries and lower concentrations in higher paying service industries.  
Low rates of Latino homeownership and high rates of foreclosures challenge wealth-building and neighborhood  stability in many Latino neighborhoods.  
All 12 of the Latino neighborhoods of study had higher rates of their population without health insurance than  in the city of Chicago.

"This report demonstrates that Latinos are present throughout Chicago's neighborhoods and have unique social, economic and housing success and challenges,” said the author, José Miguel Acosta-Córdova, Research Assistant at the UIC’s Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, a James J. Stukel Student Fellow at the Great Cities Institute, Graduate Student in Urban Planning and Policy, and President of UIC’s Latino planning student organization, LPODER.

“This in-depth study clearly outlines the dynamic growth of Chicago’s Latino community and the need to further expand its access to educational and economic resources to realize its potential and maximize its contributions to the city,” said Ric Estrada, President and CEO of Metropolitan Family Services. “Metropolitan Family Services is excited to use these findings to strengthen the services we provide daily to thousands of Latino families throughout the Chicago area.”

“Reading the UIC report made me incredibly optimistic. The fact that the future of Chicago is inexorably tied to Latinos is a great sign for our City,” said Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36). “I am committed to continuing to fight for educational and economic resources for the Latino community as we move forward.”

The author, Josė Acosta, can be reached via phone at 312.918.0906 or email at jacost29@uic.edu. A complete copy of the report can be found at https://greatcities.uic.edu/2017/10/11/latino-neighborhoods-report/

The Latino Caucus includes 11 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Ald. Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15), Ald. Ricardo Muñoz (22), Ald. Danny Solis (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Milly Santiago (31) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35).

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Latino Caucus Condemns Mention of School Vouchers in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2017

CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently dodged questions about a rumored plan to allow a school voucher program to infiltrate Chicago Public Schools. “Thankfully Mayor Emanuel has not come out in support of school vouchers,” said Latino Caucus Chairman Gilbert Villegas, “at the same time it is frightening to think that the Mayor did not condemn a voucher program given Chicago Public School’s financial mess.”

Throughout the ongoing Springfield battles for fair school funding, Governor Bruce Rauner has demanded vouchers be apart of any school funding bill. Up to this point, Legislators from across the state have defended students, parents and teachers by refusing the Governors demands. Now is not the time for these Legislators and Mayor Emanuel to give up on Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools could not recover from a voucher program that would siphon at least $100 million out of a system that seems to be constantly struggling. Governor Bruce Rauner, President Donald Trump and Secretary Betsy DeVos praise voucher systems because they know it is a way to attack unions and privatize education. We will not stand idly by and allow our Democratic ideals to be attacked. We will stand up for our teachers, parents and students.

The City Councils’ Latino Caucus includes 11 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Alderman Joe Moreno - 1st Ward, Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza - 10th Ward, Alderman Cardenas - 12th Ward, Alderman Raymond Lopez - 15th Ward, Alderman Rick Muñoz - 22nd Ward, Alderman Danny Solis - 25th Ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward, Alderman Ariel Reboyras - 30th Ward, Alderman Milly Santiago - 31st Ward, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward.