On July 29 at 10 am CT, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will announce alongside Colorado State Senator Mike Weissman, Illinois State Senator Graciela Guzman, Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, and Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla the unveiling of a new, nationwide initiative to introduce or re-introduce legislation allowing Americans to sue ICE agents for constitutional violations. The announcement will take place at Row 24 Chicago one day after the anniversary of the 14th Amendment’s certification, which promised due process and equal protection to every person on American soil — not just citizens.
The killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, Lorenzo Salgado Arauj in Texas, and Joan Sebastian Durán Guerrero in Maine at the hands of ICE agents show the urgent need for accountability against an armed and well-funded force that has been terrorizing communities in total impunity. To date, no federal immigration agent has ever been convicted of criminal wrongdoing nor held personally liable while on duty.
Following the example set by Illinois, Connecticut, Vermont, Maryland, and Rhode Island during the second Trump Administration, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Utah, and Washington will introduce bills rewriting state law and share learnings from bills already passed that allow everyday citizens to pursue civil lawsuits against ICE agents. While lawsuits against federal government agencies are necessary, there must be consequences for perpetrators of violence and civil rights violations — and state legislators are taking action.
WHAT: Unveiling of a nationwide initiative to hold ICE agents accountable for constitutional violations. Speakers will provide brief remarks followed by a Q&A.
WHO: EJ Juárez, Executive Director, State Innovation Exchange
Illinois State Senator Graciela Guzman (District 20)
Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh (District 62)
Colorado State Senator Mike Weissman (District 36)
Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla (District 10)
WHEN: July 29 at 10am CT
WHERE: Row 24 Chicago
2411 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
RSVP: Please RSVP to six@fenton.com
