Chicago, IL – On July 8th, Homeland Security agents arrived unannounced at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Chicago, entering the premises without prior notice, a warrant, or any form of identification. Despite repeated requests from museum staff, the agents refused to present legal documentation or explain their presence, raising concerns about the use of intimidation and overreach by federal authorities. In response, Roberto Valdez Jr, the Midwest Regional Director of Hispanic Federation issued the following statement:
“This disturbing act of intimidation which was carried out without warning, warrants, or justification on sacred cultural grounds is unacceptable and a blatant abuse of power. Targeting the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, a revered Latino cultural institution in Chicago, just days before major community celebrations is a clear attempt to instill fear and suppress our collective voice. These tactics have no place in our community or in our country.
Hispanic Federation will continue to stand up and protect our community from unlawful, overreaching ICE enforcement. Our cultural institutions and our communities are not spaces for surveillance or intimidation. They are sanctuaries of resilience, history, and identity. We commend NMPRAC’s leadership for standing firm in the face of this violation and echo their call for dignity, justice, and accountability. We also applaud city, county and state officials who have publicly pushed back against this action.”
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ABOUT HISPANIC FEDERATION
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
