So, is it just me, or was that CCPSA meeting a wild affair? I was enthralled when I walked outside in the pouring rain and saw the line extend from Thalia Hall to Racine. I was incensed when I heard they turned people away. I am in love with the raucous voice of this city. We will continue to fight

Hundreds of people have packed into Chicago's Thalia Hall tonight for a community listening session on CPD collaboration with ICE/CBP. Police district councillors who gathered petition signatures required to hold tonight's hearing are opening by thanking the community for showing out.

It’s going to be a busy week. If you are a person who cares about the ongoing issues with ICE and CPD, you should come to both of these.

Digital Dermatitis. If you know, you know. 🤷🏽‍♂️

1/8 🧵 Our city recently witnessed two troubling incidents. A group of youth assaulted a classmate and his family. And the Chicago Christmas tree lighting ended with a shooting involving several Black Chicago youth. I am deeply saddened by both.

🧵1/4 I had some time for reflection today. This photo from my time in Afghanistan came to mind. I served on a base with Afghan soldiers and police. Different culture, different faith, different language, but we built real bonds.

Alderman Raymond Lopez will talk about a lot of things on social media. One thing he oddly won’t discuss is the group of residents who rallied in front of his office, calling for his resignation, as well as how his ward night was coincidentally canceled the same evening. Isn’t that ironic? #chicago

The Illinois Secretary of State has launched a hotline for folks who see ICE switching license plates. Tampering with or removing license plates is illegal in Illinois. If you see it, report it. Call 312-814-1730.

What the hell is going on?!?!?

I was reflecting this morning on how some days I just want to kick myself, because I feel like I’m slacking. This usually happens when my body is yelling at me “slow down!!! Weekends…for reasons!” I have to stop, breathe, and tell myself…I’m doing my best. Can you relate?

Word. See you all soon!

At this point I feel like I’m yelling into the void, but it needs to be said; Silence is not an option. If you are an elected who hasn’t said word one about what is going on throughout the city, I hope your constituents wear your phone out this week.

Chicago, can we talk about this? I don’t even own skates, but a skate party protest at least one day a week really sounds like something I need in my life right now.

Anyway you can. Attend marches and protests. Cross post what is happening. Engage with your local politicians. Talk to people. Vote.

Heard this is going down Friday and wanted to spread the word. Pretty sure I’m gonna swing through. Say hello if you see me!

Word

“Terrible things are happening outside. Poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared.” Diary of Anne Frank January 13, 1943

Just got to Quik Trip a few moments ago. Every road to Broadview is blocked off by ISP and Broadview police. Protestors be safe. This bottling in doesn’t feel good. #broadview #protest

I am here at the Broadview Detention. A large ISP contingent here. Just in the 30 minutes I’ve been here, it “feels” like ISP is working in concert with ICE officials. They also keep widening the perimeter on a crowd standing and chanting “peaceful protestors.” This is not good.

Still thinking about the way Chicago indie media came together yesterday to demand Steve’s release. That level of solidarity in such a crucial moment gives me hope. What’s happening in Chicago is reaching people. Amanda Seales shared it on IG. Tired, but encouraged to keep pushing.

This morning we are calling out ICE for abducting our neighbor, Alejandro Fraire Valdez, and demanding his immediate release. Families in our community should not live in fear. Full press release here: linktr.ee/mcgillfor7th... —————-

It’s been a heavy week of news and hard conversations. Chicago’s own Aight Bet says it best: Don’t Be Lyin, Be Lion. 🦁 What you give is what you get. Persistence beats resistance. Stand firm, test your fortitude, and step into the lions’ den together. youtu.be/ZKkySaoEL8A?... #chicago

I served in the Illinois Army National Guard. I know what it means to patrol American streets. Trump’s threat to send the Guard to Chicago is political theater and an abuse of power. Chicago belongs to its people, not to any man trying to play strongman.

Will be super interesting to see how this plays out. Also of note, 18th District Councilor Karen Kane has been a staunch advocate of upholding pretextual traffic stops in Chicago. Will definitely be bringing this up at our meeting tonight in the 7th District.

Trump’s move in D.C. is an abuse of power and a warning for every city. Now he’s threatening Chicago’s autonomy and our bail reform. We will defend reform, protect democracy, and stand with leaders who tell the truth, not sell fear. If it can happen in D.C., it can happen anywhere.

Jimmy Soto, who spent four decades behind bars for a double homicide he didn’t commit, has officially received his certificate of innocence, more than a year after Cook County prosecutors dismissed all charges against him.

@goodpods.bsky.social Is there no way to delete episodes I don’t want to listen to from my latest episodes list on iPhone? I find this problematic.

Here at a CCPSA Nominating Committee meeting. This is a part of the District Council work that I think goes completely under the radar. District Councils nominate potential members of the Commission, with final members picked by the Mayor.

I'm attending John Lewis Actions's event, “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Chicago, IL” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/indivisiblec... Who’s coming with me?!?!?

There are so many people running for so many different seats, I’m starting a crib sheet to keep them straight. I got tired of people looking at me strange for conflating races. The variety makes me happy. More people should run, but man, it gets confusing! #politics

Turns out the cop who shot & killed his partner was a clown who probably should have been fired when he was a probationary officer.

Crazy day yesterday. As widely reported, a car came through the protest early on. For the record: here’s your boy with the smooth moves.

I peeled off from the march because my Lyme Disease started acting up and I needed protein. I got a phone call that CPD is currently kettling people, which to my recollection is prohibited. Anyone got eyes, ears, etc. If people are being mistreated let’s call it out and get cameras on it. #chicago

Nailed it!!!

Finished a book yesterday, diving into a new one today after a previous false start. The author Rakove starts off with: “…I came to realize…that it is difficult, if not impossible, to understand the nature of urban politics without immersing oneself in political life.” Thoughts? Is he right?

I can’t help but think with all the officers out here at 18th & Loomis for a peaceful anti-ICE demonstration, they should be using those body cams to document when ICE is illegally snatching people up to assist in lawsuits. I’m just sayin’.

ICE crossed a line in LA

After a long day of District Council meetings, I made it down to Blues Fest. I wanna storm the stage, grab the mic and yell “I work in government. Y’all don’t know the blues…I got it baaaaaaaaaaaaddddddddd!!!!!! I will have to contain myself. #chicagobluesfest

IMMEDIATE SUPPORT is needed in the South Loop, at the ISAP office at 23rd & Michigan, where folks were summoned for previously unscheduled program check-ins today to find ICE agents waiting to detain them without warning:

Fresh off the presses!

🧵1/4 I didn’t get to attend the big May Day march in Chicago today — bad planning on my part not to have requested PTO in due time. Still, I stand in full solidarity with workers here in the U.S. and across the world — citizen and immigrant alike.

I was sad to hear about the death of Officer Malissa Torres today. As reported in the news, she was just 34 and died by suicide inside the 18th District station. As a veteran this kind of loss is always tough to hear. It’s a reminder of how much invisible weight so many people carry

Today, I spoke before the community about the Felony Bypass pilot being forced onto Englewood — no transparency, no consent, no accountability. This program strips away due process and sidelines our Restorative Justice Court. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M9A... #Englewood #FelonyBypass #PublicSafety

Here at Vinyl and Vittles and Chi Black Social Culture Map “Sunday Service” at First Church of the Brethren here on the West Side. Beautiful music, food, people, and no news cameras. Put this on the 10 o’clock news folks!

It’s a beautiful morning. I’m currently outside cleaning my front windows. My whole front stoop needs to be power washed. Is that a thing?!?!?

🚨 CPD can now file felony gun charges in Englewood without a prosecutor. We're the only district where this is happening. 🗓️ April 5 | 🕛 12 PM 📍 Ogden Park Join us. Ask questions. Be heard. #Englewood #FelonyBypass #DueProcess #Chicago

🧵1/3 I’ve been meaning to blog for a while, and I’m finally doing it. Starting today, I’ll be regularly sharing reflections on my work as a District Councilor—pulling back the curtain on public service, policy, community, and the real stories in between.

🧵1/7 Before I finally call it a night, I wanted to share what this weekend looked like on the ground. Busy, emotional, energizing. Some highlights:

If I left my gun unattended in a bathroom, would it be returned to me?!?!?

🧵1/2 Chuck’s Gun Shop in Riverdale is finally closing—a win for gun violence prevention. For years, data showed its guns flooding Chicago streets. The best way to get illegal guns off our streets isn’t mass traffic stops— abc7chicago.com/post/chucks-... #GunViolencePrevention #CommunitySafety