Ald. Julia Ramirez, Aide Battered by Crowd of Protesters Outside Brighton Park Vacant Lot Set to be ‘Winterized Base Camp’ for Migrants
Ald. Julia Ramirez, Aide Battered by Crowd of Protesters Outside ... WTTW News
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Ald. Julia Ramirez and Aide Battered During Protest
Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th Ward) appears on “Chicago Tonight” on March 1, 2023. (WTTW News)
Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th Ward) and her aide were battered during a Thursday morning protest of plans for a massive tent to house at least some of the nearly 3,800 migrants now living at police stations and O’Hare International Airport on a vacant, privately owned lot in Brighton Park, officials told WTTW News.
Victims’ Condition
- Ramirez’s aide, identified only by police as a man approximately 21 years old, was taken to St. Anthony Hospital in fair condition, according to a spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department.
- Ramirez declined medical attention, officials said. She was identified only by police as a woman approximately 32 years old.
Statement from Ald. Julia Ramirez
In a statement released several hours after the incident, Ramirez said she and her aide were assaulted.
“Fortunately, I’m OK, however, my staffer was taken to the hospital and is in good condition,” Ramirez said.
Reactions from Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker
- Mayor Brandon Johnson called the attack on an elected official “unconscionable.” He did not identify Ramirez or her aide.
- “My administration supports the right to peaceful protest and free speech, but this type of action against a public servant is unconscionable,” Johnson said. “Any violent act against an elected official in our city is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker also denounced the attack, saying he was deeply saddened by the incident.
- “We must treat public servants working for their communities with respect and decency, even when we disagree,” Pritzker said, adding that he wished Ramirez and her aide a speedy recovery.
Investigation and Video Evidence
Detectives are investigating the incident, which was captured on video by several news organizations.
In a video recorded by Colin Boyle for Block Club Chicago and posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Ramirez can be seen fully surrounded by protestors while being partially encircled by Chicago police officers.
Reasons for Attending the Protest
Ramirez said she attended the protest in an attempt to “address misinformation being spread about my involvement with the plan, and how we should move forward as a community.”
After having a few conversations, Ramirez said she realized that “most of the protestors did not want to engage in a peaceful dialogue with me” and attempted to leave before being attacked.
Community Meeting and Proposal Details
A community meeting on the proposal is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Kelly High School, 4136 S. California Ave. In a letter sent to 12th Ward residents Monday, Ramirez warned that it may already be a done deal — whether or not she objects.
The Brighton Park lot at 38th Street and California Avenue is owned by the Harvey-based Sanchez Group, said Ramirez, who also said the firm responded to a request for proposals issued by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office seeking locations to set up temporary shelters for the more than 18,500 migrants sent to Chicago from the southern border.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
“I also want you to be open minded and not buy into the fearmongering and false information spread by right-wing, anti-immigrant voices who wish to divide our city,” Ramirez wrote on Monday. “We are a nation of immigrants and people that are fleeing economic and political turmoil deserve an opportunity for a better life in this country.”
Number of Migrants and Tent Plans
More than 3,769 migrants are living in police stations across the city and at O’Hare International Airport with another 11,334 migrants living in city shelters as of Thursday morning, according to city data. Johnson has said the crisis was caused by “right-wing extremists bent on sowing chaos and division in our city.”
Johnson first unveiled the plan to build the massive tents, which could shelter, feed and care for as many as 1,000 migrants in a single location, more than a month ago, triggering intense criticism from some of his closest allies.
The city is set to pay $29 million to GardaWorld Federal Services to erect the tents to house the migrants, under a contract that was originally inked by state officials. Those plans call for soft-sided “yurt” structures to be built to hold 12 beds, with restrooms and dining halls serving several structures.
Contact Information
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
- Indicator: Number of migrants living in police stations and temporary shelters.
-
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- Indicator: Number of violent acts against elected officials.
-
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
- Indicator: Number of partnerships established to address migration and asylum seeker issues.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. | Number of migrants living in police stations and temporary shelters. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | Number of violent acts against elected officials. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Number of partnerships established to address migration and asylum seeker issues. |
Analysis
The article addresses issues related to migration, violence against elected officials, and the need for partnerships to address migration and asylum seeker issues. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article highlights the situation of migrants living in police stations and temporary shelters, which relates to SDG 10. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the number of migrants living in police stations and temporary shelters.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the violent act against an elected official, which is relevant to SDG 16. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the number of violent acts against elected officials.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article emphasizes the need for partnerships to address migration and asylum seeker issues. This aligns with SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is the number of partnerships established to address migration and asylum seeker issues.
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Source: news.wttw.com
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