SPRINGFIELD — In response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s visit to Springfield, State Senator Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) released the following statement:
“I am proud that in Illinois, we have a long legacy of enacting protections for all our residents, regardless of their immigration status. Policies like the TRUST Act, Way Forward Act, VOICES, and the RISE Act are measures motivated by protecting founding tenets that make our country so great– the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These fundamental values are threatened by this administration, which has proven to undermine basic human rights and freedoms codified in our very constitution at every possible turn. This latest plot from the Department of Homeland Security is just par for the course of this administration and their dedication to instill fear and suppress the voices of freethinking people.
“Since the secretary took up the post, DHS has reportedly violated the human rights of thousands of our neighbors, jailed people without due process in an overcrowded prison, has overseen an agency that has deported a child undergoing cancer treatment, facilitated the possible deportation of US citizens, and more, in unlawful, morally bankrupt actions. Moreover, the secretary has repeated xenophobic and nationalist rhetoric aimed at stirring hate and division in our country, instead of offering solutions to the real issues that Americans are facing. By creating a dialogue based on hate and lies, she has justified unlawfully deporting thousands of folks without due process.
“Her visit to Springfield – particularly on the 15th annual Latino Unity Day, where Latinos come to the state capitol – is just a stunt to strike fear and distract us from the strength of our community, which together is fearsome to her and all those who stand in opposition to justice. When we come together, we can do anything, and we will not be swayed by her or others attempting to take our community away from us. However, it is despicable that the secretary would choose today for this visit, knowing how many immigrants and their families have journeyed to the people’s house to have their voices heard. We will not allow their advocacy to be censored or silenced by fear, and we stand firm around our immigrant community in this essential moment.
“I join my colleagues to firmly condemn her visit to our state’s capitol aimed to distract us from the important work we are doing to protect our state’s residents, regardless of their immigration status.”