Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » *** UPDATED x2 *** Mayor Johnson condemns ‘physical attack’ on alderperson, aide during protest against tent encampment
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      About     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here.
*** UPDATED x2 *** Mayor Johnson condemns ‘physical attack’ on alderperson, aide during protest against tent encampment

Thursday, Oct 19, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…

“I learned today that an alderwoman and an aide, while attempting to meet with constituents, were victims of a physical attack by area residents. My administration supports the right to peaceful protest and free speech, but this type of action against a public servant is unconscionable.

Any violent act against an elected official in our city is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. My office and the Chicago Police Department are currently investigating this incident, and we will provide updates as they become available.”

* Block Club Chicago

Police had to whisk an alderperson to safety Thursday during a heated protest about the city’s plan to build a tent encampment for migrants at a Southwest Side lot. […]

Nearly 100 protesters gathered Thursday morning to voice opposition to the city’s plans for the site near 38th Street and California Avenue, saying officials haven’t notified them properly about the proposed camp or taken their input into consideration.

Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), whose ward includes the site, was swarmed by protesters when she arrived. People threw signs in her face and screamed, and police officers worked to break up the crowd.

Eventually, officers escorted the alderwoman away, helping her get into a car so she could leave. […]

One protester’s sign read, “We don’t want your migrants in Brighton park nor McKinley Park.”

Neighbor Jacquelyn Zuniga said she and others feel “stabbed in the back” by the city’s lack of notice about the tent plan.

* Pics and video…



If you watch the video, you’ll see the CPD did a good job of evacuating Ald. Ramirez.

That neighborhood is about 80 percent Latino.

* More context from WTTW

A community meeting on the proposal is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Kelly High School, 4136 S. California Ave. In a letter sent to 12th Ward residents Monday, Ramirez warned that it may already be a done deal – whether or not she objects.

The Brighton Park lot at 38th Street and California Avenue is owned by the Harvey-based Sanchez Group, said Ramirez, who also said the firm responded to a request for proposals issued by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office seeking locations to set up temporary shelters for the more than 18,500 migrants sent to Chicago from the southern border.

“I also want you to be open minded and not buy into the fearmongering and false information spread by right-wing, anti-immigrant voices who wish to divide our city,” Ramirez wrote on Monday. “We are a nation of immigrants and people that are fleeing economic and political turmoil deserve an opportunity for a better life in this country.”

More than 3,769 migrants are living in police stations across the city and at O’Hare International Airport with another 11,334 migrants living in city shelters as of Thursday morning, according to city data. Johnson has said the crisis was caused by “right-wing extremists bent on sowing chaos and division in our city.”

…Adding… Chuy García…

Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) released the following statement following threats of violence towards 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez at a Brighton Park protest:

“Earlier today, Alderwoman Julia Ramirez and an aide were physically attacked while trying to meet with constituents. All people have a right to peacefully protest and make their concerns known, but we can never tolerate violence towards elected officials and their staff.”

…Adding… Ald. Ramirez

“Today my staff and I went to meet with 12th Ward residents protesting Mayor Johnson’s plan to construct a temporary shelter for migrants at 38th and California. Residents contacted my office this week and asked that I attend to hear their concerns. I wanted to engage directly with my community to address misinformation being spread about my involvement in the plan, and how we should move forward as a community.

“After having a few conversations, it became clear that most of the protesters did not want to engage in peaceful dialogue with me. It was truly a disappointing experience.

“As I was leaving the protest, a group of protesters surrounded me and my staffer and began assaulting us. Fortunately I’m okay, however my staffer was taken to the hospital and is in good condition.

“I understand residents are fearful and have concerns about the city’s plan. I have the same concerns. I’m a born and raised resident of Brighton Park. I ran for Alderwoman so that I could be in a position to address the years of disinvestment in my community. I hear my residents and want them to know I will always advocate for their safety and ensure our communities have the resources they deserve. I also respect everyone’s right to peacefully protest, however violence and hate is not the answer.

“I hope to continue to build bridges across the different communities in the 12th Ward as we address this crisis in a humane and compassionate way. Brighton Park should be a welcoming community to both existing residents and new arrivals.

“I call on the mayor’s office for more transparency, accountability and more local involvement in the decision-making process, to explore more options for establishing the permanent shelters, and reevaluate if tents are an appropriate solution at this site.”

*** UPDATE 1 *** Sen. Villanueva…

State Senator Celina Villanueva (D – Chicago) released the following statement after learning of the assault of Alderwomen Julia Ramirez and her aide during a protest in the 12th Senate District as they were discussing the new construction of a migrant tent city with local residents:

“I am appalled to learn of the physical attack against Alderwoman Ramirez and an aide as they met with local residents to hear concerns regarding the construction of a shelter for asylum seekers. While I support peaceful protest and freedom of speech, violence is unacceptable.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** Gov. Pritzker…


       

39 Comments
  1. - lake county democrat - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 12:46 pm:

    Has anyone else thought that CTU, who openly said it’s their job to champion social issues outside of education, has been oddly silent on the migrant issue? A cynic might think that they’re worried if Johnson spends too much money on housing the migrants it’s going to effect school board races or just generally put a lot more scruitiny on the city’s budget and property taxes.


  2. - Almost the Weekend - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 12:48 pm:

    Ramirez blaming right wing media is definition of a liberal not knowing how to govern nor work the levers of city government.

    Welcome to reality Mayor Johnson.


  3. - Candy Dogood - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 12:49 pm:

    I’ll say this about Chicago, that is the most diverse anti-immigrant crowd I have ever seen. NIMBY absolutely trumps Identity Politics.


  4. - James of Chicago - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:07 pm:

    =Has anyone else thought that CTU…=

    Not me. What are they suppose to do? Invade Venezuela?


  5. - DisappointedVoter - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:10 pm:

    The mayor needs to roll out a plan explaining how they landed on this site. What other sites will be open. And how long these sites will remain open. People want information in the midst of a crisis. There is a reason people are now turning to Governor Pritzker for leadership.

    Mayor Johnson’s press team has led misinformation run rampant and their passive approach is exploding in their face. The mayor needs to lead and be the mayor we elected him to be. No more silence. No more excuses about him being a father. And no more photos with celebrities. Mayor, turn this ship around!


  6. - DisappointedVoter - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:14 pm:

    And someone please explain why the mayor is sending alderpeople to do his work? He should be there alongside of the alderwoman. No border trips. The fight is here.


  7. - wowie - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:14 pm:

    ==Invade Venezuela?==

    I mean the CTU quite famously sent a delegation to Venezuela so…..


  8. - Jeery - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:21 pm:

    Who’s the Mensa member who thought of tent camps in Chicago with winter approaching. What could possibly go wrong?


  9. - lake county democrat - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:22 pm:

    James - actually they indeed took an active interest in Venezuela a few years back, but to your question: they could do what they do elsewhere: for example, show up at these meetings advocating for the migrants to be allowed to live in vacant schools and other places.


  10. - Sonny - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:23 pm:

    These are very visible consequences for the failure in leadership on this issue. As if people freezing in cold tents isn’t enough maybe this will be a wake up call for everyone.

    When is JB’s CVS promised shelter opening? That should have happened the Monday after that tit for tat with the Mayor’s Office.


  11. - James the Intolerant - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:24 pm:

    I agree with disappointed voter. ROll out a plan. “We are going to tHese 10 locations.” And the weather has turned on tent cities. Abandoned churches, schools. Get to work.What a failure for the Mayor. Everyone needs to quit talking about getting federal money and get to work.


  12. - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:29 pm:

    white people NIMBYs are saying told ya as they watch the diverse NIMBY crowd object. I’m with the Gov whose cry to Biden will be replicated unless the Feds offer more consistent ideas and assistance. what are you doing VP?


  13. - Rabid - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:31 pm:

    Incomplete assignment unless the mayor grades on the curve


  14. - LastModDemStanding - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:34 pm:

    ==I’ll say this about Chicago, that is the most diverse anti-immigrant crowd I have ever seen.==

    “Anti-immigrant” is an oversimplification of the issue. When things like this happen across the city in the most diverse neighborhoods, we need to think a little deeper here. I’ve noticed three things that people are upset about: 1. Lack of a wraparound plan; 2. How long/timing; and 3. Why are these new arrivals being given so much more resources than us? I’ve heard the third most in heavily immigrant communities.

    These are all within the Mayors realm of control and communication. Shame on his office for not being better on the issue and getting in front of it.


  15. - wowie - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:35 pm:

    == No border trips.==

    He didn’t go to the border


  16. - TNR - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:35 pm:

    == Invade Venezuela? ==

    Turns out, CTU has had a Venezuela policy in place for a few years:

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-union-venezuela-trip-20190819-tbpa3lhjifduxgupdxfs3mosr4-story.html


  17. - Jerry - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:36 pm:

    121pm is me. Big fingers, tiny keyboard syndrome.


  18. - City Zen - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:42 pm:

    ==Has anyone else thought that CTU, who openly said it’s their job to champion social issues outside of education, has been oddly silent on the migrant issue?==

    Considering affordable housing was one of CTU’s contract demands in 2019, it is odd but not unexpected.


  19. - allknowingmasterofraccoondom - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:57 pm:

    Ironic that most of the protestors look like former……migrants.


  20. - LastModDemStanding - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 1:59 pm:

    =Everyone needs to quit talking about getting federal money and get to work.=

    THIS ^^

    As been said by many before, this is the kind of issue to be expected when activist types are put into office. Much harder to lead/execute after you’re conditioned to be in attack mode.


  21. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:00 pm:

    ===Everyone needs to quit talking about getting federal money and get to work===

    They need to be doing both. Constantly.


  22. - Paul V - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:05 pm:

    I agree with LastModDem 100%.

    Especially the point that city residents are wondering “Why are these new arrivals being given so much more resources than us?”

    Anyone who has been involved with Chicago politics knows that this is the most important issue to address to constituents. Mayor Johnson’s treatment not trauma mantra sounded good to voters when they thought it applied to them. Now they feel like they will be left behind in favor of migrants. The narrative, or lack thereof, from the Mayor’s office has further fanned the flames.

    The City Council members that have spoken on this topic haven’t really done themselves any favors either. It’s really a fascinating dynamic, but one that needs to be re-directed into something productive.

    Its not about being anti-immigrant. Its about personally feeling left out or left behind. That is the issue that the Mayor and Aldermen and Alderwomen need to address.


  23. - Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:23 pm:

    Hugo Chavez’s revenge…in the form of unintended consequences.


  24. - HLV - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:33 pm:

    ==fearmongering and false information spread by right-wing, anti-immigrant voices==

    Oh, honey, those are not right-wingers you see protesting in South Shore, Austin, Woodlawn, Galewood and Brighton Park. But sure, you go right ahead with that laughable narrative.


  25. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:34 pm:

    ===Oh, honey, those are not===

    OK, first, mocking someone who was just physically attacked is a bannable offense.

    Second, nobody said the protesters were right-wingers.


  26. - Pundent - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:36 pm:

    =The mayor needs to lead and be the mayor we elected him to be. =

    I’m not sure I see anything in the mayor’s past or present efforts that suggests he can meet this need. Much like his predecessor the mayor’s promise is confronted with the reality of a really difficult job.


  27. - JS Mill - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:37 pm:

    =I’ll say this about Chicago, that is the most diverse anti-immigrant crowd I have ever seen. NIMBY absolutely trumps Identity Politics.=

    we need to stop giving them a pass and call this what it really is..ignorance, entitlement, bigotry and racism. Just because they are a diverse crowd does not mean they are not guilty of all of those things.

    Historically, large influxes of any immigrant group always gets these reaction. You would think that in 250 years we could learn to be better.

    Johnsons mismanagement is blowing a golden opportunity to reinvigorate Chicago’s population and employment market.


  28. - Frida's boss - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:40 pm:

    If anyone can say use the empty schools it would be CTU.
    They are the most vocal advocacy group in Chicago and have put many aldermen plus the current mayor into office. They have won multiple strikes against multiple mayors. If they flood every town hall with teachers and talk about social impact blah blah blah at least then the aldermen would feel supported.
    Right now the aldermen are going it alone with just the mayor’s staff. Has the mayor gone to one town hall in any neighborhood, that was contentious, proposing a shelter?
    SDG has been super quiet since the whole private school deal popped off about a month and a half ago.


  29. - Candy Dogood - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:58 pm:

    ===“Anti-immigrant” is an oversimplification===

    When the protest becomes a mob they can expect their message to be reduced to the common denominator.


  30. - 17% Solution - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 2:59 pm:

    === I mean the CTU quite famously sent a delegation to Venezuela so…..===

    They actually didn’t, so….

    “President Jesse Sharkey said: ‘Members go all kinds of places in the summer. This was neither an official trip nor something that was funded by the union. This is a group of people who are members of the CTU who decided to go to Venezuela.’”


  31. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 3:15 pm:

    ===When the protest becomes a mob they can expect their message to be reduced to the common denominator. ===

    Exactly right.


  32. - DisappointedVoter - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 3:44 pm:

    ==He didn’t go to the border==

    He sent staff and has spent resources on the trip. He is going to have to answer why staff was in Texas rather than working here or being at the site alongside the alderwoman.


  33. - Ucci - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 3:52 pm:

    Mayor Johnson’s incompetence has hit a new low. His inability to communicate with his alderpeople, including his allies have now gotten one of his closest allies in physical harm. If Lori did this they would have shut down Logan Square with DSA protesters.


  34. - Pundent - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 4:10 pm:

    =He is going to have to answer why staff was in Texas rather than working here or being at the site alongside the alderwoman.=

    It’s not an either or proposition. He can and should do both.


  35. - Excitable Boy - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 4:17 pm:

    - Oh, honey, those are not right-wingers you see protesting in South Shore, Austin, Woodlawn, Galewood and Brighton Park. -

    I lived in Brighton Park for 3 years and while the majority of the people I met were uninterested in politics and very decent people, I met plenty of racists and right wingers. Being a minority does not automatically make you a leftist or a liberal.


  36. - Rachel - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 4:50 pm:

    I hope the mayor issues similar statements to support regular working persons who have been the victim of a crime.


  37. - Frida's boss - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 5:08 pm:

    Rich said it the other day the louder you are the quicker Johnson and his team bail out. They’ve now given up Amundsen Park Fieldhouse as a location. Will they do the same here?
    Back in the day, the mayor would not allow anyone, even his enemies to get assaulted by a mob. It’s one thing for just a random deal but a protest/mob attacking an alderman?
    And there will be no consequences.
    If there were consequences to occur they didn’t push people away from her and start arresting people they just covered her up and ushered her to the car to get her out of there. Strong talk but weak action. Still this late in the day and no arrests. Assault of Alderman acceptable-check.


  38. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 5:32 pm:

    Was kinda waiting on who and what those who would say.

    I concur with Pritzker, those words can speak for me, along with all others condemning.


  39. - Thomas Paine - Thursday, Oct 19, 23 @ 6:10 pm:

    Sooner or later, the Johnson administration is going to realize that huge centralized emcampments are not the answer, and look to house these families with host families, in single family apartments, and in other smaller settings.


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


* Reader comments closed for the weekend
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Uber’s Local Partnership = Stress-Free Travel For Paratransit Riders
* UIC testing lab accused of providing flawed results in 1,600 cannabis DUI convictions
* Today's must-read
* COGFA: Illinois job growth rate is about a tenth of national growth rate since October of 2019
* Question of the day: Golden Horseshoe Awards
* Roundup: Madigan trial delves into political fight over Chinatown land deal
* It’s just a bill
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* Live coverage
* Selected press releases (Live updates)
* Federal appeals court stays Downstate federal judge's gun ruling (Updated)
* Yesterday's stories

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Loading


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

Archives
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0




Hosted by MCS SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax Advertise Here Mobile Version Contact Rich Miller