Asylum seekers sexually assaulted by Chicago police, community demands justice
Chicago, IL- On July 6, news outlets reported that Chicago police officers allegedly sexually assaulted several asylum seekers who had been sleeping in the lobby of Chicago's 10th District police station. One of the asylum seekers, a teenager, was impregnated. The news prompted outrage from community members.
Thirty people gathered outside the 10th District station at 3315 W Ogden Avenue on the evening of July 7, to demand that any officers engaged in sexual misconduct be fired and prosecuted. Recently-elected District Councilors criticized the lack of transparency by the Chicago Police Department and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). They urged civilians to participate in holding the police accountable.
“As representatives of a welcoming city, that advocate for the well-being and safety of our migrant communities, we express our deep disappointment upon learning about these allegations,” said Kiisha Smith, chair of the 10th Police District Council. Smith was delivering a statement co-authored with fellow Councilors Rosemarie Dominguez and Elianne Bahena.
Smith continued, “We categorically condemn the abuse of power, especially when it targets one of our most vulnerable populations.”
People gathered outside the police station chanted “Arrest predatory cops!” and “Silent cops are guilty too!” One protest sign read “CPD keep your filthy hands off migrants!”
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office stated they are “intensely focused on the deeply troubling allegations of sexual misconduct by a Chicago Police Department officer against a minor new arrival, and other allegations of sexual misconduct in the Chicago Police Department's 10th District.”
All 45 immigrants who had been housed in the 10th District were moved to a temporary shelter on Friday. The city plans to move all immigrants out of police stations by making more shelters available. Community members urged that immigrants be given adequate shelter as soon as possible.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our community for their swift response and proactive efforts in addressing this sensitive and distressing matter,” the 10th District Council statement continued. “Furthermore, we acknowledge the invaluable support from our fellow council members across the 22 districts.”
15 District Councilors were present at the press conference and voiced support for the demand that the officers be fired and prosecuted.
“If these allegations are substantiated, we will pursue appropriate disciplinary and legal action against the officers involved,” the 10th District statement said.
“It is crucial to highlight that the creation of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) and the District Council roles were intended to give a voice to the community and work on their behalf. However, it was disheartening to note that our office was not among the first to be contacted when these allegations came to light. This omission represents a lack of respect for the communities we represent,” the council statement added.
“Consequently, we request the presence of COPA and BIA representatives at our second district council meeting, scheduled for July 18 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at Enlace Chicago, located at 2759 S Harding Ave. We extend an invitation to all community members to join us in this important dialogue.”