ACLU, City Using Lawsuits To Fight Back Against Trumps Immigration Crackdown

Civil rights advocates in Chicago are pressing local leaders to challenge the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement strategies. The ACLU has filed 27 lawsuits within six months, targeting unlawful arrests and due process violations impacting immigrants. One case highlights the detention of an American citizen without a warrant and another individual who has spent six months in custody, jeopardizing his business and family health. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez noted that free speech and due process are essential in a democracy.

Advocates argue that local officials must work with state and federal authorities to promote legislation that enforces accountability on ICE practices. They also emphasize that the federal government must be held accountable for spending and conditions in immigration detention facilities. With a significant increase in funding for immigration enforcement expected, experts warn of an imminent rise in detentions. The ACLU's efforts underscore the ongoing conflict between civil liberties and immigration policies under the Trump administration.