Ald. Julia Ramirez, aide "victims of a physical attack" over migrant tent camp plans in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago alderwoman and her aide were swarmed by protesters angered over a plan to house migrants in Brighton Park, in what the mayor described as an "unconscionable" and "violent act."
Chanting "no camps in Brighton Park," dozens protesters carried signs and banged on drums as they voiced their opposition to plans to build a tent camp at the site of a vacant lot at 38th and California.
Ramirez swarmed by protesters
The protest began peacefully, with neighbors upset with a lack of transparency surrounding the proposed tent camp, saying they feel blindsided.
"Our alderwoman didn't let us know. There were no notices. There was nothing in the mail. We felt very stabbed in the back," said Brighton Park resident Jacquelyn Zuniga. "Chicago wants to help, but we don't have the resources to help. … We're struggling. We have veterans that we're concerned about. Our vets and our homeless in America need to be prioritized over those of another country."
"This change scares me. I used to feel safe here, and I really don't anymore," Joanne Koestner said.
As protesters rallied near the vacant lot, someone lit fireworks outside the construction site, and at one point protesters seemed to try to push into the entrance, with tensions reaching a boiling point as Ramirez arrived, and was quickly swarmed by people.
The alderwoman's aide shielded a visibly distraught Ramirez as the crowd around them grew, and police officers joined them as the shouting continued. Police were able to escort Ramirez and her staffer away from the scene.
Police said Ramirez and her aide were "battered" during the protest rally. Ramirez's aide, identified by police only as a 21-year-old man, was taken to St. Anthony Hospital for treatment. Ramirez said her staffer was in good condition, and she was not hurt.
Johnson: "unconscionable" attack "must be condemned in the strongest terms"
Ramirez released a statement saying constituents had contacted her asking her to attend the rally to hear protesters' concerns, but after she spoke to a few people at the rally, a group of protesters began attacking her and her aide.
"I wanted to engage directly with my community to address misinformation being spread about my involvement in the plan, and how we should move forward as a community. After having a few conversations, it became clear that most of the protesters did not want to engage in a peaceful dialogue with me. It was a truly disappointing experience," she wrote.
"I understand residents are fearful and have concerns about the city's plan. I have the same concerns," she added. "I hear my residents and want them to know I will always advocate for their safety and ensure our communities have the resources they deserve. I also respect everyone's right to peacefully protest however violence and hate is not the answer."
Mayor Brandon Johnson denounced the attack on Ramirez and her aide.
"I learned today that an alderwoman and an aide, while attempting to meet with constituents, were victims of a physical attack by area residents. My administration supports the right to peaceful protest and free speech, but this type of action against a public servant is unconscionable," Johnson said.
"Any violent act against an elected official in our city is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. My office and the Chicago Police Department are investigating this incident, and we will provide updates as they become available."
Area 1 detectives were investigating, but no one was in custody Thursday afternoon.
Demonstrators were protesting the construction of a tent base camp at 38th and California. The space will be the site of an intake center, dining area, and housing for migrants, according to CBS 2 sources.
Vacant lot site for planned shelter
After CBS 2 aired renderings of the Brighton Park facility, Ramirez wrote a letter to her constituents saying, "City officials are working with the property owner of the vacant lot at 38th and California Ave to open a climate-controlled temporary shelter for migrants." Renderings viewed by CBS 2 show the site would take up almost an entire city block, bordering on Brighton Park homes and Metra train tracks.
Protesters claimed construction on the basecamp would be completed before a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday night to discuss details of the plans. City officials have not discussed a timeline for the construction or opening of the tent camp. Construction at the Brighton Park site has continued for several days, but no tents have been built as of Thursday.
Ramirez questioned if a tent camps are the best solution for the city's migrant crisis, and called on the Johnson administration to provide more information to her constituents about plans for the Brighton Park site.
"I hope to continue to build bridges across the different communities in the 12th Ward as we address this crisis in a humane and compassionate way. Brighton Park should be a welcoming community to both existing residents and new arrivals. I call on the Mayor's Office for more transparency, accountability, and more local involvement in the decision making process, to explore more options for establishing permanent shelters, and reevaluate if tents are an appropriate solution at this site," she wrote.
Multiple aldermen have said the final decision of where any tents or other temporary migrant shelters would go is ultimately up to the mayor.