By rssfeeds-admin WGN News was informed that several federal agents arrived at the museum on Tuesday afternoon, located at 3015 West Division Street in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.
No prior notice was given, and when they were asked to show identification, the federal agents reportedly refused.
“What happened yesterday was an intentional scare tactic and has nothing to do with safety. It was meant to send a message to our undocumented neighbors, to our cultural institutions and to our entire community that they are being watched and that they are not safe. But let me be absolutely clear, we reject that message. We will not be intimidated. We will not allow federal overreach to violate our rights or are spaces. We will resist,” said 35th Ward Ald. Anthony Quezada.
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes says about 15 Homeland Security vehicles pulled into the museum’s parking lot and were there for about two hours.
“We watched the parking lot get filled up with about 15 to 20 Homeland Security vehicles,” Fuentes added.
Security cameras at Chicago’s Museum of Puerto Rican Art captured the unexpected arrival of what appeared to be ICE or Homeland Security agents.
“What they did yesterday was a blatant attack,” Quezada said. “A fear tactic. You are not welcome in Chicago.”
Agents reportedly made comments about scheduled events at the museum that may attract undocumented visitors. Many were also checking the entry and exit points of the building.
Museum staff members say they asked them to leave the property, but they continued to walk around.
Leaders claim that the agents intimidated the employees and disregarded legal boundaries.
In the coming weekends, the museum is scheduled to hold significant cultural and Latinx events. This includes the Barrio Arts Fest, Colombian Fest, and Fiesta Boricua.
The focus is on ensuring those who attend are safe.
“We want to welcome everybody next weekend to the Colombian Fest. Don’t be afraid. The event is well organized. We will have security, our own private security. The whole north side of the park on North Avenue and Kedzie is all fenced off. And we have the right to deny anyone into the private property we rented,” said Jorge Ortega, Director of Colombian Fest.
Chicago police will be at these events. According to the city ordinance, they are not permitted to assist ICE agents.
“If you have to cover yourself up to abduct people, then you’re a terrorist yourself,” said Illinois State Rep. Delia Ramirez.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Homeland Security issued the following statement:
FALSE. The Department of Homeland Security DID NOT target the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. On July 8, HSI Chicago’s Financial Crimes Task Force (FCTF) staged and held a quick briefing in the Museum’s parking lot in advance of an enforcement action related to a narcotics investigation.
Once again, the media and Sanctuary City politicians are shamefully peddling a false narrative in an attempt to demonize our ICE enforcement agents, who are already facing a 700% surge in assaults against them.”
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
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