In recent weeks, we have witnessed an unprecedented militarization of our city. Masked and armed ICE and Border Patrol agents have aggressively targeted our neighbors, peaceful protesters and even members of the press corps. They have forcefully arrested individuals, deployed tear gas on innocent bystanders, and used methods of intimidation to incite fear, chaos and panic across our city. Let us be clear: these enforcement tactics are dangerous, harmful and disregard the core principles we as Chicagoans hold dear.

What we are seeing across Chicago communities transcends partisan politics and calls on us as business, civic and faith leaders to unite and defend our neighbors and our city. The tactics being used by ICE have real consequences – for civil rights, individuals and families, our economy and workforce, and our mutual safety and stability. Local businesses are losing employees. Restaurants sit empty. Workers and customers alike stay home rather than risk arrest. The fear created by indiscriminate enforcement ripples through our entire city, affecting all of us.

When enforcement actions target people based on appearance rather than evidence, when they happen at schools and workplaces without regard for due process or other proper legal procedure, our entire city suffers. These tactics are not American justice. These tactics don’t make us safer. These tactics weaken the very fabric of this city we love so much.

As the undersigned leaders, we represent diverse communities, faiths, generations, sectors of our economy and perspectives from across Chicago. We are united in opposing these extreme enforcement methods that cause long term harm to our city.