### Illinois Lawmakers Rally to Defend Immigrant Rights Amid Trump's Reelection

In the wake of Donald Trump's reelection, Illinois state lawmakers and immigrant rights advocates gathered at Casa Michoacán on the Lower West Side to express their concerns and commitment to protecting immigrant communities. State Sen. Celina Villanueva, addressing the crowd, likened her feelings of worry to those she experienced eight years ago when Trump was first elected, highlighting the stress and uncertainty faced by immigrant communities.

Villanueva was joined by thirteen Democratic state legislators at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) news conference. The event was marked by a unified message of hope and resistance, with attendees holding signs that read, "Unite, rise, resist," and "Together we rise." The venue, the same as the one used in 2016, became a symbolic space for reflection and reaffirmation of their dedication to immigrant rights.

The lawmakers collectively promised to maintain Illinois as one of the most welcoming states for immigrants. Lawrence Benito, ICIRR’s executive director, assured the immigrant community of their continued support, recalling the efforts that have previously made Illinois a friendly state for immigrants. "We've been through this before, and we will get through it again," Benito stated, reinforcing a message of resilience.

State Sen. Robert Peters emphasized the need to protect individuals from mass deportations and to work towards providing citizenship. Expressing concern over the sociopolitical climate, Peters described the election results as a troubling reflection on the current administration.

State Rep. Theresa Mah, visibly emotional, voiced her alarm for the immigrants in her Southwest Side district. She reassured the community of her unwavering commitment to their well-being. Adding to this, State Rep. Lilian Jimenez highlighted the importance of comforting children who might be feeling uncertain, urging parents to remind their kids that there are people fighting for their futures.

In a pointed remark, State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid criticized certain Democratic decisions that he believes contributed to Trump's reelection. He urged a more inclusive approach that addresses the concerns of diverse communities, including young voters and those advocating for international justice.

The conference not only served as a platform for expressing concerns but also reinforced a collective commitment to protecting and uplifting immigrant communities in Illinois.