CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons held a town hall Thursday evening at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville to share information on immigration rights, resources, and advocacy in light of ICE presence in Illinois, and also addressed the ongoing housing crisis, double-digit rent increases, and challenges to homeownership.
“We are living in a time that is not normal. There is so much that people are worried about right now, so it is incredibly important to me to communicate people’s rights when it comes to immigration and the presence of ICE in our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an asylum seeker from Ethiopia, I want to affirm that as state senator of the 7th District, I am here to fight for my community and their right to pursue peace and prosperity here in Illinois and across the nation.”
7th District constituents came to the Swedish American Museum on Thursday to discuss recent federal actions, including concerns about ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and what their authority to conduct enforcement looks like in Illinois.
Discussions were also held around the potential National Guard deployment, updates at the federal level as well as the state of housing in Illinois. Topics ranged from the need to increase the housing supply, how to make home ownership more in reach, and how we can overall address the need for housing in the 7th district and beyond.
“In a time when so many are facing uncertainty - whether it be immigration, housing, access to healthcare, funded transit, and so much more, we must double down on coming together and being unified as a community,” said Simmons. “I urge everyone to review immigration best practices through our partners at ICIRR, to watch out for one another, and to contact my office if you need help connecting with any resources. I am dedicated to a model of co-governance, and I look forward to moving forward with your help and advocacy.”
For more information on everything Senator Simmons is doing, visit his website and follow him on social media platforms @senmikesimmons.
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