CHICAGO — Following the deadly shooting of a 37-year old nurse in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, Anabel Mendoza, brought over 200 community members, faith leaders, and local advocates together for a march and rally.

During the rally, Anabel, a lifelong Chicagoan, immigrant rights organizer, and candidate running for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, called for “DHS, ICE, and CBP, to be defunded, abolished, and destroyed at its roots.” More coverage here and here.

Credit: Todd Bannoron Saturday, January 24, 2026

Speaking to a crowd of over 200 people, Anabel said:  

“We all know this terror well here in Chicago and in Oak Park, where federal raids have swept through our neighborhoods, traumatized families, and left entire communities living in fear of being torn apart. We know it because it was only months ago that we buried Silverio Villegas González, a Chicago-area father and worker who was also shot and killed by ICE.”

She went on to say: 

“Trump and his army of terror must be held accountable. And DHS, ICE, and CBP, must be defunded, abolished, and destroyed at its roots. I refuse to play nice with terror. I will not compromise with brutality. I will not legitimize state violence or collaborate with systems built to kill our people. And I can assure you one thing: I will use every ounce of power if elected to Congress to shut this machinery down.”

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Anabel Mendoza is a community organizer, immigrant advocate, and the youngest candidate running for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District. A lifelong Chicagoan and the proud daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, she has dedicated her career to fighting for working families, immigrant rights, and a government that serves people, not corporations. She’s running to bring unity, honesty, and courage to Washington. For more information, visit www.anabelforcongress.com