Skip to main content

To: U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Chief of Staff Clarisol Duque.

No Citizens Academy in Chicago!

We are calling on Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to prevent the implementation of ICE's Citizen Academy pilot program in Chicago this September. The program intends to educate ordinary citizens on ICE practices and operations, including field trips to detention centers and “firearms familiarization.” ICE expects to expand the program nationwide, following its initial roll out in Chicago.

The enactment of such a program in our sanctuary city will cultivate a culture of fear among immigrant communities, increase instances of racial profiling, and empower white supremacists under a false guise of patriotism. Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth must act now and keep ICE out of Chicago!

Why is this important?

For several weeks, the people of Chicago have stood resolute in the fight against systemic racism in policing. The implementation of this pilot program will contribute to racial injustice in law enforcement, by inspiring average citizens to operate as honorary ICE agents in our city's streets, utilizing racial profiling to target victims.

Chicago demands an end to racialized policing, not an expansion incorporating private citizens. This petition is a demand for Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to stand by Chicago's immigrant communities, and prevent ICE from implementing the Citizens Academy pilot program in Chicago.

Sources:

ICE Press Release:
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-offers-first-citizens-academy-public-learn-more-about-agencys-mission-chicago#wcm-survey-target-id

Yahoo News Report:
https://news.yahoo.com/ice-to-launch-citizens-academy-to-teach-civilians-about-targeted-arrests-172430342.html

How it will be delivered

The petition will be electronically delivered to Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.

Updates

2020-07-15 08:53:30 -0400

100 signatures reached

2020-07-15 00:05:53 -0400

50 signatures reached

2020-07-14 22:40:50 -0400

25 signatures reached

2020-07-14 21:02:02 -0400

10 signatures reached