PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Condemns Swastika, ICE Graffiti & Attacks on Immigrant and Palestinian Solidarity Spaces
- For Immediate Release and Distribution -
(CHICAGO, IL, 7/23/2025) – While our communities are ravaged by ICE, police continue to kill innocent people at will, and the federal administration seeks to dismember the fabric of our nation—white supremacists become all the more emboldened.
CAIR-Chicago demands justice for the recent acts of hate directed at Palestinians and Latinos here in Chicago. Last month, Zionists defaced and burned a mural showing Mexican and Palestinian solidarity. This past weekend, white supremacists spray painted swastikas and messages praising ICE across multiple locations in Little Village—including on a Latino-serving organization, Sen. Villanueva's office, and a “Free Palestine” mural.
The silence from the media and the lack of action from local law enforcement and city leaders has come as a great disappointment to all affected. As families struggle to put food on the table, keep their children safe, and attempt to fulfill the aspiration of liberty in America, they are met with the cruel reality that justice is still not for all.
It is a sad day in the greatest city in the world when Hate is allowed to be broadcasted at those who are simply striving to live.
CAIR-Chicago demands that local law enforcement and city officials take our communities’ safety and concerns seriously. No longer can the City of Chicago only protect, serve, and care for its white population. This is a city for everyone, which means we must protect and love everyone—and defeat hate whenever and wherever it arises, no matter how big or small the scale.
CAIR-Chicago expects the City of Chicago to investigate this spree of hate crimes and, if necessary, escalate their investigations to the appropriate levels of law enforcement. If we are let down again, and these demands are not met, we—as Chicagoans—will be forced to take organized civic action and raise leaders from within who are ready to care for the people of this city in its entirety.
Take Action: Document Hate
Even if law enforcement fails to act, documentation matters. Help us track, expose, and challenge hate in all forms:
Report Hate to CAIR-Chicago: www.cairchicago.org/report-discrimination
Illinois State Hate Reporting Portal: helstophate.illinois.gov
To report a hate crime in progress, call 911 and clearly state you believe it is a hate crime.
For help reporting to police, contact Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR): 312-744-4474
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com | Heena Musabji, Legal Director of CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, hmusabji@cair.com | Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com
CAIR-Chicago’s Website - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter (X) - YouTube - Subscribe