NASW-IL DEIAB Committee Statement on ICE Accountability
NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB)
Over the past year, social workers across Illinois have stepped up to serve their communities as the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has increased. Social workers have taken the responsibility of putting boots on the ground to be advocates, case managers, and literal shields to protect the constitutional rights and safety of their clients, but also their own neighbors, teachers, paleteros, and, in the most heart-wrenching instances, their own parents.
Social workers have gone into the community to provide comprehensive "Know Your Rights" workshops throughout the state. They have patrolled their neighborhoods through Rapid Response Teams, documented ICE detentions as legal observers, and worked selflessly to ensure detained individuals and their families were given basic education on their legal rights. These resources have helped families navigate the complex legal immigration system, locate their loved ones, and reunite families.
How many times can we witness our children screaming in fear as they witness masked agents violently abduct their parents outside their own schools? In response to this brutality, millions have marched in unity to demand an end to the mass abductions of our friends, family members and neighbors. For example, we witnessed state senator and social worker, Karina Villa, confront ICE agents last year in order to protect her neighbors from abduction.
But, unfortunately the cold reality is no amount of money, time, or accolades can compensate for the amount of trauma created from these violent encounters. The work has come at a huge personal cost for social workers who have witnessed these traumatic events in their own communities; they carry this weight all while still providing social services to those that have directly experienced the separation, displacement, and loss.
Social workers cannot continue to risk their lives on the frontlines against injustices created by a federal agency that faces little to no accountability.
Mass hiring and inadequate training harm both law enforcement and the public. ICE has demonstrated a systemic failure to train its agents, comply with state and federal regulations, and uphold the law, as evidenced by documented misconduct occurring both on and off body cameras. The agency’s persistent lack of transparency and failure to correct these issues prove the problems are institutional rather than isolated. Ultimately, the mass militarization of law enforcement is not the solution to our immigration system's issues.
One year after Operation Midway Blitz, the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB) honors the extraordinary work and sacrifice of social workers across the state who have supported individuals, families, and communities during a time of intense fear and uncertainty. Social workers do more than just respond to the aftermath; they are present before, during, and after immigration enforcement actions to educate communities, protect rights, manage immediate crises, and help families heal.
The NASW-IL Chapter advocates for the profession while working to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This mission aligns perfectly with the core values of social work: promoting social justice, upholding the dignity and worth of every person, and committing to social and political action on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed populations.
The NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB) calls for immediate accountability, transparency, appropriate training, compliance with all applicable laws, and respect for the constitutional rights, dignity, and respect of every individual in this country. We call upon our local, state, and federal government to protect every vulnerable child and adult from any and all unlawful acts perpetrated by ICE or any other federal agency.
The NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB) works to promote the NASW programs and efforts that encourage awareness, respect, and appreciation of diversity in the social work profession and our society. Its particular focus includes race and ethnic diversity, social justice, women advancement, and sexual orientation (LGBTTQQIAAP) issues.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 120,000 members. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is one of the association's largest chapters representing over 20.000 licensed Illinois social workers and school social workers, with over 5,000 active members. NASW strives to advance social work careers, grow social work businesses, and protect the profession. Learn more at https://www.naswil.org/.
