Press Statement from United for Chicago Coalition in Response to the Illinois Accountability Commission’s First Meeting
Today’s meeting of the Illinois Accountability Commission marked an important step in our collective effort to confront the harmful tactics and excessive use of force by federal Border Patrol and ICE agents. During public comment, residents from across the city shared powerful firsthand accounts and expressed deep concern about what they have witnessed over the past several weeks and what it has meant in their homes, businesses and communities.
We heard stories of children being separated from their families, neighbors witnessing violent encounters, business corridors left without foot traffic, and Chicagoans living in fear in their own communities.
Today made one thing clear: the tactics being used by ICE are inflicting harm on our neighbors and destabilizing our communities - something Chicagoans cannot accept.
We commend the members of the Commission for their commitment to creating a public record of federal agents’ conduct and for examining the impacts and consequences these actions have on individuals, families, and communities. We look forward to reviewing the Commission’s findings and report in 2026.
About United for Chicago
United for Chicago is a coalition of business, civic, faith and philanthropic leaders representing diverse communities, faiths, generations, and perspectives united to denounce tactics used by ICE across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
The United for Chicago effort was launched at a press conference on Friday, November 7. Since then, the group continues to convene, engage and mobilize leaders throughout Chicago.
