Today, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched a new advertising campaign aimed at informing Chicago residents about their rights if detained by federal immigration agents. The campaign is displayed on video screens throughout the transit system, directing passengers to online resources and guidance for visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
"Chicago always will be a Welcoming City, not just by legal mandate but also by our inclusive and loving spirit," said Mayor Johnson. "Our 'Know Your Rights' campaign in collaboration with the CTA is a demonstration of our commitment to protect and support all people of Chicago. I thank President Carter and the CTA for carrying out this initiative, and I trust that our city will continue working to maintain a firm stance in our welcoming attitude."
"We want to affirm that our public transportation system is safeguarding the constitutional rights of everyone who uses our trains and buses," said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. "The CTA supports the mayor's efforts to ensure that our passengers have access to helpful guidance if they feel their rights are being violated."
The advertisements will appear on more than 400 screens across the CTA system, featuring a QR code directing passengers to the city's "Know Your Rights" campaign website. It includes resources in English, Spanish, and French informed by The Resurrection Project, National Immigrant Justice Center, and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
In addition to providing resources for those facing difficulties due to a family member's detention by ICE, the website offers useful information including a link to ICE's online locator to check if someone is in custody.
Other useful information provided includes guidance, contact details for USCIS's hotline for inquiries about immigration court proceedings, and recommendations for accessing free immigration legal services.
The CTA screens present 'Know Your Rights' information directing passengers to multilingual resources.