Standing Together in Community and Solidarity: October 11, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, we had confirmed ICE sightings and abductions in Edgewater, Uptown, and our surrounding communities. ICE agents profiled and targeted landscape workers across the ward including at Sheridan & Catalpa and Winthrop & Thorndale. ICE agents drew their weapons on one of our neighbors and attempted to force their way into her vehicle as she was driving home at Catalpa & Kenmore. We’re seeing ICE continue to violate people’s civil liberties with impunity. At the same time, the federal government deployed National Guard troops from Texas to the Chicago area. This is an illegal use of federal force which the city and state have already challenged legally.
Let's be clear on this: Chicago is not asking for intervention from federal agents of any kind. In this city and in the 48th ward, we look out for our neighbors regardless of origin or documentation status. We know that it’s us—not outside forces who rely on profiling and bullying—who keep us safe. If we continue to allow this erosion of due process to go unchecked, we risk undermining the foundation of our democracy.
Our office will continue to fight for everyone who calls the 48th ward home, including by defending our first amendment rights to free speech, free assembly, and a free press. I was in Broadview last week doing just that: standing with neighbors and allies to denounce violence against peaceful protests at the local ICE facility.
Many of you have come to me with the same question: How can I help? I’m proud to live in a welcoming ward full of people and organizations who are ready to be generous with their time and resources. Together, we distributed Know Your Rights materials to hundreds of businesses, co-hosted numerous Know Your Rights events, and welcomed new arrivals to the 48th Ward.
Next week, we are launching the Neighbor to Neighbor Network in Edgewater and Uptown. The network will:
Strengthen our rapid response infrastructure, reducing the exposure of vulnerable community members to federal agents
Identify community needs and resources and build a stronger more silent system of care of solidarity
Build deeper connections and stronger relationships within our organizations and across neighborhood networks.
To sign up your organization for the Neighbor to Neighbor Network, contact our office at info@the48thward.org. Individuals not connected to a group can participate by completing the intake form.
To our neighbors in the 48th ward and beyond who are feeling frightened in the face of this administration’s values and actions: We see you, we hear you, and we will continue to fight with you. Our community is strong—bolstered by networks of people and organizations that truly care for one another—and it’s our community that keeps us safe. View our Know Your Rights resource page for more information.
Yours in Community,
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman