Andrade Condemns Border Patrol Misconduct in Old Irving Park Community

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, Jr., D-Chicago, condemns the Border Patrol raid in Old Irving Park on October 25. Conversely, Andrade thanks community members for jumping
into action, lauding the community’s response and use of non-violent tactics to protect neighbors attending a Halloween celebration at the time of the incident.

“Even though this area is no longer in my district, I represented this area for nearly a decade,” said Andrade. “These people aren’t just my former constituents– they’re my friends, and some of the kindest, most respectful people I have ever met. I was honored to work with them, and I am horrified by how federal immigration officials are treating them.”

Before a Halloween parade, neighbors saw a man being detained by federal immigration agents. Launching into action, they began blowing whistles to alert the community of their presence. Moments before the parade was supposed to start, immigration officials launched tear gas into the group of neighbors who came out to protect and raise awareness. Three people were arrested during the raid, two of whom are U.S. Citizens.

Andrade represented Old Irving Park and the surrounding area from 2013 until the 2020 Census redistricting. After years of representing the area, Andrade understands the dedication and respectability of these residents.

“I’m not at all surprised that in a terrifying moment, the community came together to support their neighbors and friends,” said Andrade. “They showed exactly why we need to come together and embrace our community. Forming community response groups, using whistles and even helping vulnerable families know their rights: that’s how we push back at the local level against this gross abuse of power by the federal government. I’m proud that despite intimidation and violence, community members were kind and brave enough to defend their peers.”