What We Saw in Chicago: Lessons from the CBP Surge

Join us for a conversation with local organizers about how our community pushed back against attacks on our neighbors from federal border patrol agents last fall.  

Over the course of several months, more than 250 Border Patrol agents were flown into Illinois to assist ICE in carrying out warrantless arrests and racially targeted sweeps. Community organizations documented at least 615 people who were unlawfully detained — a number expected to grow as additional cases are reviewed.

Although this particular surge force has since left Illinois, federal officials have made it clear that similar operations are likely to return. That makes it essential to take stock of what happened here, how our communities responded in real time, and what it means for the months ahead.

Speakers include Rey Wences from Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), Antonio Gutierrez from Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD) and Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva, with a special poetry reading from Juliet DeJesus Alejandre.

**This in person event will also be live-streamed through Haymarket Books. Register through Ticket Tailor to receive a link to the virtual event on the day of the event.**

**We ask all attendees wear masks in the event space during the program for the health and well-being of the speakers and other guests.**

This event is cosponsored by ICIRR, OCAD and Haymarket Books.