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PRESS AVISORY
Contact: Julie Contreras 847-323-0507
Jesus Vargas 773-317-9055
Community Alert for Undocumented Latinos
“Clicket or Ticket Campaign” Being Conducted
Across the Entire State by Illinois State Police
Chicago - During the morning rush hour on the corner of Austin & Chicago Ave a road block was set up by the Illinois State . Dozens of families contacted LULAC National Committee on Immigrant Affairs and other Latino Leaders regarding this action by aw enforcement in the Latino and African American Communities. The Latino families were very distraught because many live in the reality of being undocumented.
LULAC contacted the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s Office and the Oak Park Police Department who all advised that they were not conducting any operatives from their departments. These agencies also had no information on any other law enforcement agency conducting road stops. The Illinois State Police were contacted and LULAC spoke with Master Sergeant Isaiah Vega who confirmed that the Illinois State Police were setting up Road Blocks to conduct the “Clicket or Ticket Campaign”. Master Sergeant Vega advised that this is being conducted through out the state especially with the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend for the safety of the community.
LULAC National Committee on Immigrant affairs inquired if those of Hispanic ethnic background where being questioned regarding legal status? Master Sergeant Vega stated, “The Illinois state police do not ask any questions regarding legal status. We are concerned about the safety belt issue, but if individuals are driving without a license there vehicle will be towed and they will be issued a citation. Also any one with criminal issues will be dealt with accordingly.”
A mother who was driving her children to school this morning and wished to remain unidentified stated, “I am undocumented and when I seen the police I was so scared. My children where in the car and I was taking them to school as I do each morning. I had to stop because I was shaking so much.”
Jesus Vargas a community activist stated, “Why are these checking points in predominantly African American and Latino areas? The terror that they cause to our community who live in the reality of being undocumented is horrible. I received so many calls of fear from Latino mothers and fathers going to work today.”
LULAC wants the Latino Community to be aware that the Illinois State Police will be conducting this operative in the entire state of Illinois .
Julie Contreras LULAC National Committee on Immigrant Affairs stated,” This is a campaign for safety for all who drive on our roads. But we want members of the Latino Community who are undocumented to be aware of this campaign and for them to take the necessary security precautions for their families if they must drive.”
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