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The news scene in Chicago last autumn was heavily influenced by the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration initiative known as “Midway Blitz.”
Interest in the Trump administration’s immigration policies intensified following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year.
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In Brighton Park, federal agents fatally shot Marimar Martinez five times. Initially facing federal charges, her case collapsed. She is set to attend the State of the Union as a guest of Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
“Her presence highlights how this administration’s harsh policies and disregard for the law are endangering lives, affecting people like her, and instilling fear in communities across the nation,” stated Garcia, who represents Chicago’s Southwest Side.
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Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s guest will be 21-year-old University of Illinois-Chicago student Jaime, whose undocumented father was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and after four difficult days at the Broadview detention facility, self-deported.
“We need to be more compassionate, as a country towards those that may be undocumented, like my like my father,” Jaime said. “Why are we deporting people with a simple civil violation?”
Rep. Brad Schneider’s guest will be Rick Woldenberg. He and his company, Vernon Hills-based Learning Resources, challenged President Donald Trump tariffs and won before the Supreme Court. It is a case he says was all about the rule of law, not the president himself.
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“Honestly, as an American citizen, my hope is that President Trump does a very good job as our leader. We kind of need him to do that. So, I’m interested to know what his plans are,” said Woldenberg.
The president is expected to address the economy and affordability, especially with the midterm elections this year, making the case that he has taking the country in the right direction.
“The challenge is going to be, if people were really feeling it, if they’re feeling in their pocketbook, if they’re feeling it as a kitchen table, and he’s got to convince them that they need to stay with him, that he’s got a plan,” said ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington.
Dozens of Democrats will not attend the joint session this year, opting for alternative events. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Chicago, is among them.
“I’m holding a town hall with Indivisible where my constituents can talk about their concerns, what’s happening, what they what their concerns are about the president and where we should go from here,” Quigley said.
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