The city’s Southwest Side stood up and sang in solidarity Saturday to speak out against Chicago’s immigration push.
They called for the release of 22-year-old Federico Alcantar. He has been detained by ICE for months after he was allegedly arrested at gunpoint during a traffic stop in October by immigration agents looking for other people.
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“I still remember that Saturday morning when I found out the news and my heart was broken,” said family friend Mariela S.. “All I could think about was that he didn’t deserve to be treated like this.”
Alcantar is the sole guardian of his two younger siblings.
“Under normal circumstances, he would have been released on bail within weeks of being taken into custody,” said Alcantar’s attorney, Katherine Greenslade. “Instead, our government is spending an incredible amount of time and money preventing a young man from going to work or supporting his siblings.”
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Elected officials from all levels of government, as well as community members and leaders, gathered at a packed press conference Saturday morning at St. Pius Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood. They sent a unified and clear message, letting Alcantar know that he was not alone and that he was loved.
“The only justice he can do is to be released by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security,” said U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.
“What I heard about Federico today is that he was the best man. He stood up for his brothers and sisters, so this was not a question of justice or protection,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. “This is so cruel.”
Alcantar’s mother died of cancer and his father was murdered in Mexico, setting the stage for Alcantar and his family to be reunited in the United States, community organizers said.
“The federal government has wreaked havoc on our communities,” said Illinois Sen. Rachel Ventura. “Creating fear and chaos and tearing families apart. We must not allow this to happen.”
Cries for help and mercy were heard Saturday ahead of a pivotal moment in Alcanta’s story. He will appear before an immigration judge on Thursday, February 19, who will decide whether he can stay or be deported.
Community members are praying their message of hope will resonate with federal leaders.
“We are here for you today and beyond,” said Eviction Defense organizer Jocelyn Aranda-Ortiz. “What we share here today cannot end here. The presence, the voices and the solidarity we see here today is just the beginning.”
ABC7 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security but has not yet heard back.
