The city of Chicago proposes a plan to move migrants into a vacant lot on 38th Street and California Avenue. Thursday morning at around 9 a.m., a large group of Brighton park residents gather at the lot to protest. The group loudly voiced their opinions on this decision.

Residents were notified of this plan a few days before but many feel as if they are being “stabbed in the back.” One resident said, “This is not fair to them. This is a slap in the face to immigrants who have worked hard their entire lives to get here. Those that have raised their kids with a hard work ethic.”

Residents believe there aren’t enough resources to house migrants. Other migrants who arrived years before also think it is unfair newer arrivals get help before they do.

plans for migrants

A company assigned with helping bus migrants to Chicago has also been assigned the role of building shelters. City officials signed a $29 million contract with GardaWorld Federal Services and its subsidiary Aegis Defense Services to provide temporary housing.

The vacant lot on 38th and California has recently been reviewed by city officials. The lot may be used as a “tent base camp.” Construction has started at the lot at the as city officials are proposing to build a base camp to house up to 1,000 migrants at the site.

Mayor Brandon Johnson suggests these camps  as a way to get migrants out of the cold weather as winter approaches. Many oppose of this plan however, city officials believe it is a necessary strategy.

Julia Ramirez Attacked During Protest

Alderwoman Julia Ramirez issued a statement soon after the protest. In this it says she and a staffer were both assaulted. When she arrived, Julia was rushed by a large crowd. People, screamed, grabbed her, shoved themselves against her, and threw signs in her face. Ramirez attempted to speak to the protestors but they refused to allow it.

During the protest, Ramirez was chased by residents demanding answers before she was then escorted out by police. According to the mayor’s office, Ramirez was a victim of a physical attack by area residents. Ramirez confirmed that she is fine although her staffer was taken to the hospital.

In her statemen Ramirez says she hears her residents and explains she will always advocate for their safety and resolving issues. She also said, “I also respect everyone’s right to peacefully protest however violence and hate is not the answer.”

She hopes to continue to help her communities during this crisis in a safe and organized way. Ramirez is calling on Johnson’s office for more transparency and involvement in making decisions around shelters for migrants and determining if the tent camp is appropriate for the location.

The mayors office released a statement

“Today I learned that an alderwoman and an aide, attempting to meet with constituents, became victims of a physical attack by area residents. My administration supports the right to peaceful protest and free speech. However, this type of action against a public servant is unconscionable. Any violent act against an elected official in our city is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. My office and the Chicago Police Department are currently investigating this incident, and we will provide updates as they become available.”

By Jamarion Thomas

Sources:

abc7chicago: Brighton Park residents protest proposed tent ‘base camp’ location for Chicago migrants

wgntv: Alderwoman, staffer assaulted during migrant site construction protest in Brighton Park, statement says

nbcchicago: Community meeting planned for proposed base camp for migrants in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood

Featured Image Courtesy of Nick M’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Insert Image Courtesy of Zach Korb’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License