April 24 , 2007

For more information, contact Jessica Vazquez Torres at 773-512-4513, Cynthia Brooke at 773-728-8400 ext. 40, or Sr. Barbara Pfarr at 773-728-8400 ext. 19.

ICE Agents Storm the Heart of the Latino Community

CHICAGO—Earlier today, Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) learned that armed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided the Little Village Discount Mall at Albany Avenue and 26th Street. Though they had both the pictures and names of the four people they say were making false documentation, approximately 160 people were detained and 16 were arrested.

“This was a show of force and an attempt to intimidate the community. We stand with the community and call for an immediate stop of the raids and comprehensive immigration reform,” said National Religious Outreach Coordinator Jessica Vazquez Torres.

“Our scriptures call upon us to welcome the immigrant--raids terrorize immigrants,” said IWJ Executive Director Kim Bobo. “Interfaith Worker Justice calls for a moratorium on raids until the nation can develop an immigration policy that is humane, rational and fair.

A press conference at the Federal Building is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, to immediately follow the ICE press conference. Spokespeople from Interfaith Worker Justice, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights, the Chicago Workers Collaborative and the Latino Union will have statements on the raids and a call for comprehensive immigration reform.

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Go to the Immigration Action Page

IWJ is a leading national faith-based organization helping ensure that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, are paid for their work. IWJ advocates a comprehensive immigration program that includes a path to citizenship, reunification of families and strong worker rights protections. IWJ’s new Immigration Primer will be available in March 2007 and can be requested free of charge by visiting the IWJ website.

Interfaith Worker Justice, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, 4th Floor, Chicago IL 60660, (773) 728-8400, fax: (773) 728-8409

Website: http://www.iwj.org/