University of Chicago unions demand action against ICE operations

University of Chicago students, staff and faculty union members demand the school stop “sitting around” [its] Take a stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the city at a press conference Friday.

Representatives from five school unions spoke out against the university’s alleged “inaction” regarding Operation Midway Blitz, the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiative targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records in Chicago.

The operation drew intense backlash from some local residents, including University of Chicago assistant professor Eman Abdelhadi, who was arrested on felony charges at an anti-ICE rally last month.

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“Violent kidnappings and assaults by federal agents do not occur in a remote Chicago, beyond ‘mental life,'” assistant professor Diana Schwartz Francisco said. burgundyThe school’s student newspaper. “They’re happening in our neighborhoods. They’re happening right here.”

Jeffrey Howard, vice president of the SEIU Local union, said the University of Chicago, as a higher institution, has a duty to push back against what he called a “fascist regime” enacted through ICE raids.

“It’s not enough to stand by and say, ‘We’re doing what we’re legally required to do.’ It’s sad that one of the leading institutions of the United States has chosen to sit on its own hands rather than fight against this president and his fascist regime,” Howard said.

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A University of Chicago assistant professor was arrested at an anti-ICE rally last month. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

He added: “University of Chicago, do your part: educate future leaders. And you can’t do that by sitting on your hands, letting what’s happening on this campus happen.”

according to Hyde Park HeraldUnion representatives gave the school a list of demands, including banning ICE officers from entering buildings without judicial authorization, providing information to the school community about ICE activity in the area, posting signs prohibiting ICE officers from entering buildings, and publicly affirming students’ right to learn without federal interference.

University of Chicago website updated guidelines On Nov. 5, he noted that regarding ICE activities, federal officers “are required to present valid warrants for access to locked or other non-public areas on University property absent certain exigent circumstances or approval.”

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The University of Chicago has issued guidelines for faculty and students facing ICE sanctions. (iStock)

However, the guidelines also state that the University of Chicago “cooperates with outside agencies as required by law while protecting the rights and privacy of students, faculty, and staff.”

Francisco called the rules “arrogant and negligent.”

“This implies that the threat of encounter with ICE or federal agents is an individual problem that can be solved by individual action, when in reality it is an institutional problem that requires proactive, clear policies and protection from the university,” Francisco said.

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In a comment to Fox News Digital, Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: “These slurs calling ICE law enforcement fascists and calling for violence against them are disgusting and, God forbid, will result in the murder of a law enforcement officer. Our officers risk their lives every day to apprehend the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and terrorists.”

University of Chicago spokesman Gerald McSwiggan referred to the school’s guidelines when reached for comment.