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CHICAGO — In a bold move, an Illinois-based organization is initiating a campaign aimed at challenging the operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol within the state.
This effort is being unveiled at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Summit, a key event focused on immigration issues.
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On Saturday, immigrant rights advocates are set to kick off a comprehensive policy campaign across Illinois. This initiative is a direct response to ongoing enforcement actions by ICE that have impacted communities of color.
“We hold the power, and it’s on us to rise up and defend our rights,” stated Sugeira Tellez, an attendee at the ICIRR summit.
Tellez, who is from the Chicago area, was one of many participants at the summit, which is themed “Radical Love, Resistance and Resilience.” The event carries a strong message of empowerment and unity.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen how the Trump administration attacks our communities on a daily basis, whether in Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina or in cities and towns across the country,” ICIRR executive director Lawrence Benito said.
The ICIRR kicked off their 2026 policy platform during their annual gathering held at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Over 400 people attend the summit and rally, supported by dozens of neighborhood and advocacy groups to demand change.
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“HANA students share videos of ice goose stepping down the same streets they take to school,” said Andrew De Las Alas, HANA Center suburban youth program coordinator. “Their parents carry passports so they can prove their citizenship. And nearly every week, I hear about a neighbor or a student who has been taken or forced to self deport.”
Members and their supporters once again called on elected officials and legislators to support policies that “Fund immigrant services,” “Protect Illinoisans’ data from ICE and other federal agencies” and “Strengthen the Illinois TRUST Act,” the state law which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration actions, among other things.
“We know that Black and brown communities will be hit first and hardest,” District 85 Democrat State Rep. Dagmara Avelar said. “That’s not an accident. That’s the design. But here’s what we know, Illinois is not Washington.”
Organizers say their rally reaffirms their commitment to fight to abolish ICE and defeat the Trump administration’s agenda.
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