Lightford calls for removal of Broadview ICE facility fence

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford joined state and local officials and concerned community members to demand the fence around a facility in Broadview housing people accused of being in the country illegally be taken down immediately.

“Broadview is a community that believes in the dignity of every person — regardless of where they were born, what they look like, or what language they speak,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We believe that no one should live in fear, and no government agency should ever operate beyond the reach of the law or the light of truth.”

Lightford joined Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, among others, calling for the president to order the fence in front of the Broadview ICE facility to be taken down before a court-issued deadline of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

The fence was put up about three weeks ago by the Department of Homeland Security right in front of the ICE facility, and the fence is now restricting access to Beach Street. The Village of Broadview took DHS to federal court last week, and a judge agreed the fence must come down because it creates a public safety concern for first responders trying to access the area.

“To ICE — and to the president — hear this clearly: We will not stand by while you build walls to hide human suffering,” said Lightford. “We demand transparency. We demand accountability. And we demand that this fence be removed now.”

Lightford: Our Community is strongest when all people can live without fear

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement regarding ongoing tensions in Broadview:

“I continue to stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators who are gathering to advocate for humane immigration policies and the protection of families in our communities.

“We all firmly hold the same belief: No person should be targeted based upon the color of their skin. Chicago has long been a city that welcomes people of all backgrounds – and we must continue to uphold values of dignity, compassion and due process. Our community is strongest when all people can live without fear. I stand united in demanding justice and respect for the rights of all people.” 

Lightford brings safe, affordable housing to Maywood

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

Lightford secured $2.5 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Black Men United – a national community service organization that focuses on the restoration and rebuilding of Black communities across America under the leadership of Black men – to purchase the property.

The project includes the rehabilitation and development of housing units that not only meet high-quality living standards but also integrate emerging technologies to promote energy equity and sustainability. It is designed to ensure that residents have access to clean energy solutions and modern infrastructure. Additionally, it focuses on reducing the disproportionate energy burden that low-to-moderate income households often face — in some cases paying up to four times more than their suburban counterparts. This disparity often stems from aging, inefficient housing stock that has not received the investment needed to remain competitive or energy efficient.

“Black Men United has shown us that true leadership is about identifying problems, but also about rolling up your sleeves and building solutions,” said Lightford. “The ribbon cutting represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work, strategic planning and an unshakeable belief that our communities deserve nothing less than excellence.”

Lightford will continue to fight for funding and policies that uplift underserved communities.

Arrangements for my dear mother

As many of you know, my dear mother - Barbara Ann Beasley Lightford - passed away last week.

 

Her viewing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Carbonara Funeral Home, 1515 N. 25th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 1309 Madison St., Maywood, IL 60153, with the wake beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m.

 

A celebration of life will be held at Thursday, Sept. 4 from 2-6 p.m. at The Red Door Meeting Place, 1519 W. Roosevelt Rd., Broadview, IL 60155.

 

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share your love and stories about my mom. I'm blessed to have such a compassionate community.