An agenda can be found here: s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2507…

This meeting will include a hearing/vote on R2024-0008385, which can be viewed here …storagev1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/matterattachme…

This resolution calls for a subject matter hearing on the barriers to housing for new and long-standing immigrant and refugee communities in City of Chicago, and is sponsored by Ald. Andre Vasquez @Andrefor40th

Ald. Vasquez calls this first Committee meeting to order at 10:29am, commencing a public comment period

For the 2023-2027 term, Alderman Vasquez was appointed Chair of the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights (CIRR). In addition to considering and crafting legislation, CIRR holds regular hearings on immigration-related issues blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/22/as-…

Striving to be a welcoming ward and a safe haven for the undocumented, the 40th ward's website publishes a list of resources for immigrants and refugees: 40thward.org/city-services/…

Aspiring to bring increased accessibility, transparency, and accountability to the public about the City’s response to new arrivals, the 40th ward also compiles data and information on new arrivals and the government’s response, which can be viewed here: 40thward.org/city-council/n…

There has been a palpable tension and anger in the gallery up to this point, and during the public comment period, this boiled over.

Previous City Council meetings have illuminated the tension between Black Chicagoans and migrants, and today’s meeting was no exception politico.com/newsletters/il…

To summarize, many of the commenters were vocally angry, sometimes explicit about the neglect and injustice they felt as Black Americans.

They expressed their longstanding frustration that the money going towards the migrants wasn’t instead prioritized for Chicago’s most disinvested communities, for Chicagoans themselves. southsideweekly.com/everyone-is-ma…

Many of them lambasted City Council officials by name, and threatened to vote them out, or vote for Republicans in the upcoming election. One commenter yells, “If you’re a Black American and keep voting for Democrats, you’re a moron!”

Read this for more on how Chicago’s responses (“quick fixes”) to the surge of incoming migrants, and the overwhelming situation that is felt by Chicago shelters, services and community members, is tied to deeper problems in the US immigration system vox.com/24112835/chica…

The first commenter was longtime, vocal City Council attendee (and participant) George Blakemore...

...This City Hall mainstay “advocates for Black citizens and often blasts officials” and has influenced the 3 minute limit for City Council commenters- referred to as ‘the Blakemore Rules’ dnainfo.com/chicago/201610…

Blakemore kicks off the public comment period with a furious tirade against new migrants. “What do black men get? NOTHING,” he screams, before declaring that he “hates all Democrats. Let’s go red!”

One commenter speaks to Ald. Walter Burnett of the 27th Ward: “you come from Cabrini-Green! And yet, your community sees NOTHING. You drain everything from our communities, our people, and give [the migrants] everything we have!” chicagobusiness.com/government/bet…

The next speaker is furious about the city’s 223 million dollar deficit, that more taxpayer dollars are spent on the migrants than Chicagoans, especially Black Chicagoans. She calls for a moratorium on the welcoming city ordinance...

...“We are not being treated fairly. We do not have the money! Stop giving them the money when Chicago taxpayers need it!” apnews.com/article/chicag…

A speaker calls immigrants “a net fiscal drain” and expresses her frustration with migrants being placed in predominantly black zip codes, accusing them of introducing violent behavior into these communities. chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/20…

However, commentor Robert Guzman appears close to tears during his testimony. He arrived in Chicago in 1977, and aids other migrants in learning English and becoming job ready, working for workforce Development Community in Cook County

“Recently arrived migrants say they want to find jobs and build stable lives for their families, but the roadblocks they encounter make it extremely hard to get ahead.” citybureau.org/newswire/2024/…

A Latina commenter talks about the struggles faced by working families, who are evicted from their homes by profit driven landlords. She calls for legislation to protect tenants and their families against evictions. wbez.org/race-class-com…

Vasquez responds sardonically to most of the commentors. The room is still furious, tense and agitated. “Vote Red” chants have echoed between commenters, sometimes interrupting the speakers. “I’m asking you to” Vasquez quips, threatening to have disruptive commenters removed.

The public comment period ends per schedule. Alders. Sigcho-Lopez and Vasquez request the sergeant at arms to remove a couple individuals, including Mr. Blakemore, and warns the audience that other disruptors will be removed

Alderman Sigcho-Lopez is next to speak. He recognizes the Deputy Consul General from the Consulate General of Venezuela. He also mourns the shooting of the 4 victims of the shooting in Chicago nbcchicago.com/investigations…

A roll call is done to establish a quorum, but there are only 11 Alderpersons present. Quorum is not present and Alderman Vasquez moves to reschedule the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:09.