CHICAGO —Amidst claims from the federal administration that the city of Chicago needs intervention from the National Guard, State Senator Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) released the following statement: 

“It is appalling that the federal administration is attempting to implement martial law under the guise of public safety. In reality, their mobilization of troops would not better protect Chicagoans, but rather attempt to intimidate residents and public officials to not speak out against their crimes.. Chicagoans have been peacefully exercising their first amendment rights when criticizing the federal government – and any attempts to silence these protests would be demonstrably unconstitutional.

“I also believe that the administration’s attempt to deploy troops is intended to target our immigrant community and punish their supporters. I am proud that Chicago is a sanctuary city. Despite pressure from the federal government, we have held strong to our values of shared humanity and have created community-led initiatives supporting our immigrant neighbors. Because we do not bow to this administration’s dehumanizing treatment of migrants, the administration is attempting to snuff out our resistance, and escalate their attempts to divide and separate the Chicago immigrant community. I echo sentiments from our governor, mayor and other elected officials when I declare that these troops are not needed or welcome here. As Chicagoans, we have proven capable of taking care of each other. I know we will rally together now in the face of this threat, and will not be intimidated.”