* Ismael Cordová-Clough has been posting Facebook videos of suburban ICE activity for the past couple of weeks. Some of his posts have topped 400,000 views.

A video of state comptroller candidate Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) shouting at neighbors to stay inside their homes and then verbally confronting some ICE officers has more than 340,000 views. The Washington Post picked up the video and its Instagram version has more than a million likes. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich’s YouTube post about Villa has 161,000 views. Telemundo Chicago’s report on Villa has 75K views. NBC5’s report has 37K views and a separate NBC5 interview with Villa garnered another 22K views. A rousing TikTok video of her speaking to a crowd in West Chicago after that confrontation has more than 252,000 views.

* It’s not often that a lower-tier statewide candidate goes viral like that - if ever. So, Sen. Villa fundraised off of it. Her text starts off with a short version of the video that I uploaded to YouTube…

Hello Rich,

This is Karina Villa. This week in my hometown of West Chicago, masked ICE agents targeted families on their way to work and school. They want us to live in fear—but we are strongest when we stay informed and protect one another.

Remember:
- Do not open your door unless ICE officers present a valid judicial warrant.
- If you need help or witness ICE activity, call the ICIRR Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 or go to https://icirr.org.

As State Senator, I’ve fought for students, workers, survivors, people with disabilities, and families struggling to get by. Now I’m running for Comptroller to make sure every tax dollar reflects our values.

Trump and his allies are targeting Illinois, but we will not back down. Our families deserve leaders willing to stand up and speak out—even when our voices shake.

I am ready to continue fighting. Will you join me in saying “this is my city” by making a contribution of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can today to power this campaign?

Donate now at this link: [redacted]

* Politico…

Playbook received a few emails from folks offended by her pitch. “Opportunistic,” is what one reader called it.

Others say it’s just politics. “In campaigns, you have moments,” said a Chicago political consultant granted anonymity to discuss campaign strategies candidly. “You take advantage of the moments, whether they’re good or bad. You ride the wave, and sometimes the wave can propel you to where you need to go.”

It’s a familiar playbook. After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Robin Kelly launched her congressional bid by putting gun violence front and center. She won the seat and is now running for U.S. Senate.

“People lean into these issues to galvanize communities for support for their respected campaigns,” the consultant added. “It happens time and time again,” whether the issue immigration or pushing back at (or supporting) President Donald Trump.

I’ve also received a couple of texts about the ad blast, with one calling it “gross.”

* I asked Sen. Villa for a statement…

“I was raised in West Chicago as the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. It was devastating to see masked agents in my community going after hardworking families and children. I have always fought to make sure families of all backgrounds, regardless of immigration status, can build a better future. That’s why I’m running for Illinois Comptroller, to keep a balanced budget and make sure every tax dollar reflects our values of dignity and fairness.

She also sent a statement from José Luis Pepe Gutiérrez, Director of Casa Michoacan DuPage…

Senator Villa has been a great ally in West Chicago and Springfield for Illinois’ immigrant community. As we continue to see the erosion of due process, federal overreach in our state, and attacks on our civil liberties, we need lawmakers like Senator Villa who are unafraid to stand up and fight alongside us. The immigrant community has a great ally in her.

More info here.

Your thoughts?