>> Hello and thanks for joining us on Chicago tonight.

I'm Brandis Friedman.

Here's what we're looking at.

>> It's important stand up because we are the voice of the voiceless.

>> A live report from Roger's Park as community members are coming together to help their immigrant neighbors.

>> We're really excited and ready to get to work.

>> A new phase with a familiar name joins Chicago City Council.

We sit down with Alderman Walter Redmond Burnett and hear about his vision for the 27th Ward.

>> I am Toni Johnson and I'm a photographer and social Justice >> And the Chicago native can also add MacArthur Genius Grant recipient to her resume.

She is here tonight.

First off tonight, neighbors in the city's east side community are reacting to yesterday's incident involving Border Patrol agents that led to a car crash.

>> And federal agents tear gassing protestors and onlookers.

>> And every week since September 8, we have heard lot those arrests.

>> Murder children crying.

Black men getting trolled woman getting dragged out of their cars is sliding to the floor.

They've is getting tear gassed.

Black and brown babysit our families afraid of the helicopters as this federal administration tries to normalize militarization of Chicago and the state of Illinois.

None of this is normal.

None of this is right my.

>> Many local organizations say federal immigration agents are infringing on the 4th Amendment rights of residents were being arrested and detained.

The group also says the federal government is violating the restraining order issued by a federal judge last week barring the use of tear gas on protesters and journalists who are not an immediate threat.

In a statement about yesterday's incident, the Department of Homeland Security says and document an undocumented resident allegedly hit a Border Patrol vehicle and attempted to They say arrests were made and that a crowd eventually turned hostile and crowd control measures were used.

A controversial fence near the ice processing facility in Broadview has been removed ahead of last night's deadline that was set by a federal judge last week.

Broadview officials sued the federal government over the 8 foot tall fence saying it was erected on a public street without a permit blocked the broad view fire department from accessing businesses in the area.

Federal officials claim to the fence was necessary to protect agents and the building following numerous protests at the site.

Illinois is among 14 states plus Guam that make up the new governor's public Health Alliance.

The group is framing its mission as a way to share data messages about public health threats, emergency preparedness and police.

And as a way to rebuke the Trump administration, the collection of states includes the most populous in the nation, California and New York and several others whose governors are considered possible 2028 presidential contenders.

A spokesperson for the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services says the Democratic governors who imposed school closures and mask mandates during the pandemic are responsible for destroying public trust in public health.

It's been a little over a month since since the Trump administration's operation Midway Blitz took over Chicago videos from across the city show confrontations between residents and federal immigration agents as they intensify enforcement operations.

Governor JB Pritzker is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to explain what he describes as, quote, out of control operations into account for the situations unfolding in local neighborhoods.

Our Joanna Hernandez is live in Rogers part to share how residents and local leaders are coming together in response to these developments.

Joanna.

>> Brandis, despite the risks neighborhoods, residents from neighborhoods like Roger Spark say that they are being targeted today are coming out help the community.

But despite that, they are forming groups to come out and we're in the community of what is happening over the weekend.

Ice agents were actually seen outside of this church causing community outrage.

>> So I go to Saint Jerome all the time.

I'm always here.

My family had a business for 20 years and now it's like nobody's hear noise out here.

Nobody shopping.

Nobody's going to the restaurants.

>> Louise is last describes the Rogers Park area as a ghost town.

In recent weeks.

The neighborhood has seen an increase of federal immigration agents.

>> A video shared by a local resident shows community volunteers confronting an ice vehicle.

I'm going whistles and warning others in the area is last has joined the efforts to patrol his community.

>> I feel like most of the groups that we have here in Rogers Park wearing expecting this specifically how they came at us.

They're very precise in the way that they got going to church, going to Local businesses are also feeling the impact been on this, who owns multiple businesses in the area says foot traffic is at its lowest since the pandemic.

And lead.

72. got your thoughts on the course a personal or person walking to bus.

I get on the may the a total.

>> spite of increased ice operations.

The community is fighting back other Kalen a social justice photographer in a volunteer with the Rogers Park Rapid Response Team is one of many residents who take turns guarding the street on the lookout for ICE agents.

People are scared rightfully so.

People are traumatized.

>> In the only war that is being implemented on Chicago is by the federal government.

And it also really constitutes the fact that we don't have was 10 list.

>> Federal immigration agents on Tuesday deployed tear gas and a group of residents on the city's southeast side after a crowd gathered at the scene of a car crash involving those agents last week, a judge issued a temporary order barring the use of tear gas and other riot control weapons against protesters and reporters who don't pose an immediate threat.

I know that not just here in Illinois but in other states and other cities like we are winning legal battles right?

>> For the enforcement protection upholding the law and the rights of all the residents.

We have a federal administration that continues to break the law.

And so it's a little bit of like a game of chicken.

Also on the north side in Albany Park, signs in business window say private property, no ice.

>> The area has also seen an increase in immigration operations with one incident leading agency throw tear gas on residents.

>> It was scary.

I think everybody's kind of been shaken up by it.

That's what motivated Trisha Grant to join a response group in her neighborhood >> these around the little free libraries just all around the neighborhood.

So they'll find these and there's little pamphlets and what you can do if you see a nice sight.

while the Trump administration has touted its Christian values.

>> Pastor Matthew Cranes argues that its actions contradict court teachings of the Bible.

>> It's Christianity that span that it's Christianity that's that's lost the basis of what Christianity is because Christianity was about caring for those who needed help.

>> Florida least ease last.

What's happening with immigration is personal.

A first generation Mexican-American who says he watched his parents and community give to this country only to be threatened by ice.

>> When community stand up and when they do this stuff, they cannot do what they have been doing and which is antagonizing our communities harassing us.

>> And within the hour that we've been out here, I've seen several people with orange whistles around their neck, meaning that they are patrolling the area and looking out for ICE agents brand is as of yesterday, DHS reports 1500 people have been arrested by ICE is Operation Midway.

Bliss began last month but only 10 people >> have been identified having violent felony records reporting from Rogers Park.

I'm joined Send it back to you.

>> Joanna, thank you.

Up next, one on one with City council's newest member state with U.S.

>> Reflecting the people and perspectives that make up our communities.

This story is part of Chicago tonight.

Latino >> Neighbors in the city's 20th Ward, which includes the West Loop and near West Side, have alderman Walter Reade men read Burnett has been confirmed to replace his father, Walter Burnett, making him the city's youngest current city council member.

And he's got his work cut out for him.

Here to talk about what's ahead is the newly sworn-in 27th Ward Alderman Walter Redmond Burnett.

Welcome.

Congrats on on being confirmed.

Thank you.

It's an honor to be here.

Thanks for joining us.

So you grew up in the 27th Ward.

In fact, a little bit like you grew up going to city hall with your father.

Did you always want to serve as an alderman?

>> Well, I grew up in the 27th ward everywhere from East Garfield Park.

So near West Side where my family's home is to doing activities town and the near West Side.

I can say that.

I appreciate the service that my father, my mother and my brother as well as elected officials put into the community.

I can't say that I miss.

We wanted to being elected official.

It's a lot of work.

It's a huge responsibility.

And I was really excited about the opportunity to go off to school and study business and getting to the professional road and it came up on even the opportunity struck that it would be a good opportunity to get back to my city at a time need.

>> Mayor Johnson said that you, quote, embody the values, resilience and vision of the 20th ward with longstanding commitment to public service, equity and young people.

I have no doubt he will be a dedicated and effective advocate of his community.

What makes you the right fit for the 27 Port.

Mallett.

Appreciate the kind words from great from Mayor Brandon Johnson.

>> Believe that I have a unique perspective on what this word was and is.

And the ability to connect the dots between multiple generations that have played a part in shaping what it is today.

And it's super important to understand the history of the multiple communities that reflected 27 forward from the histories of Cabrini Green in the near North side to the challenges of East Garfield Park as well as the booming direction of loop and 4 to market district.

The new demographic in that particular part of the ward is very young, creative, engaged, educated and that community will face a different set of issues that the community prior to them have before.

And so I look forward to the opportunity to help everyone tradition to the next decade.

Plus.

>> 7 other candidates also applied for the position.

Clearly you one you're succeeding.

Your father, as we mentioned now, some might see this as another example of the Chicago way when outgoing alderman son gets the gets the job.

What do you say to that?

And what have you learned from your from his years of doing this job?

Yeah.

And I understand the critique.

It is.

>> Very natural one and one that really fair?

>> I will counter with my connectivity to the 27th organization which just isn't my father in his participation in the orbit mentors and gotten figures like the former tech secretary of state, Jesse White, as well as my brother was a state representative and numerous other elected officials who've come through organization over the time and my ability to connect with them and have them mentors and guiding figures across my life.

I take a ton of respect and responsibility.

That Put upon me into making sure that the organization continues to thrive.

But I've also had the experience of even Chicago and working in the professional world to understand how the broader sense of our business community thinks.

And I think it's even more important now that we figure out a way to combine the 2 perspectives of local community and growing important business community in our city to come together to support a That's right.

Because you you were an investment banker for Goldman Sachs in New York.

>> And you were also previously a principal for Hannibal Valley Company.

You consulted on real estate hospitality and entertainment.

How will you use your previous to work for the constituents in your ward?

Yeah, I think it's extremely prevalent.

Now we are going through a cycle where our budget financing for the city is very critical.

Municipality's across the country are suffering from a what is a COVID recovery.

But it's probably taken way too long and it requires us to have a thorough analysis of what's going on with the way that we manage our money and possibly present new revenue opportunities.

My background, both in investment banking, real estate, private equity investor consulting presence, unique perspective on how we can continue to make 27 poured an economic driver for the city of Chicago.

And so I'm looking forward to working with all the partners to figure out.

We continue to grow our economy, but also take care of the individuals who need most help.

One potential hopeful economic driver, of course, is the new Bally's Casino River West.

That will be coming to your ward >> there are concerns, of course, amidst increased Jennifer gentrification in the area.

How are you prioritize and community members concerns about rising rent prices and higher property taxes.

Absolutely.

casino project the valleys is bringing to the city.

>> We're definitely change the riverwest community pretty drastically.

You're already starting to see some of that impact with the construction that's going on Chicago on Halsted.

And so it's extremely important that we continue to support those local businesses that have been there for decades, as well as the constituents who tend to reside there.

Now we're working together with the community here out what their concerns are, what needs they have and how they're looking to continue to develop around the casino and as well as figure out new ways create new affordable housing in sustainable structures.

For those who own to stay in the neighborhood.

>> So city needs to find a way also to bridge that 1 billion dollar budget gap.

That's coming up.

The mayors, of course, making his presentation tomorrow.

Where do you think you'll land on what's necessary to to fill that gap?

Had feel about property taxes?

>> Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing with the mayor's administration puts forward.

It's going to be a challenging budget.

I'm excited to figure out a way to come together with my colleagues in the council as well as the administration.

2, make sure that we put together before the budget.

That not only helps us figure out the issues for this year, but think about things long time.

How are we creating solutions that help us make it easier decision next year when conversation comes up for the 2026 budget in the 2027 budget.

So I'm not exactly certain what it looks like quite yet, but I'm looking forward to working on the budget with the rest of my colleagues.

Right before we let you go, what are your top priorities for your work?

Top priority is making sure that the work continues to stay affordable.

And we're already seeing some of those challenges and the West Loop.

But we need to protect the remaining parts of our ward.

That families want to live in and make sure that they have an accessible.

And affordable place for them too.

Both live work and play.

So that's rule number The second is definitely know.

getting into this making sure it's not damaging to the families and our working people that continue to support our economy.

Good luck to you.

Alderman Walter, Reade and Burnett will afford to have you back.

Thank you event.

>> Up next, a newly minted Chicago genius.

>> Chicago tonight is made possible in part why the Alexander and John Nichols family.

The Pope Brothers Foundation.

And the support of these don't.

>> I sometimes refer to myself as a genius but only in an air quotes.

But our next guest is a real-life genius.

She's a familiar face on Chicago tonight, photographer and Social Justice artist Tunica Louis Johnson.

She is among the 22 people named as this year's MacArthur Fellows.

The award also known as the Genius Grant, the Inglewood native.

She joins us now.

Welcome back to Tunica.

Lewis Johnson, congratulations, fake you.

How exciting is it been since last?

my goodness.

been just so amazing to be able to.

>> Be recognized in this way.

All of the messages and text that I've been getting from everyone saying they're so proud.

>> And really uplift my neighborhood, you know, when people learn about me and I work and they learn about my neighborhood.

>> So we always knew that you are a genius, but agree with because obviously we can't really take a credit some of your major projects.

include the folded project equity for sale in unblocked Englewood, all of which, of course, spotlight the history of discrimination, legal housing practices that kept black Chicagoans out of home ownership.

What was this particular issue?

A source of inspiration for you because it pretty much color every part of my life so many people that I know.

But >> as the city as a whole, it's what we're facing.

The racial wealth gap.

The lack of black homeownership and then also specifically my neighborhood in us having a problem with getting new homeowners.

And so this issue has never gone anywhere.

And I really wanted to help people understand how it's impacted throughout history, but also the ways in which we have the resilient and trying to combat it and take care of by neighborhood you your latest project unblocked Englewood started back in 2023.

In partnership with the Chicago Bungalow Association.

>> And the project reclaims vacant.

Lots in restores homes along the 6500 block of South Aberdeen in Inglewood.

We know that's, of course, a quarter that's been greatly impacted by segregation.

How does that work and how do you get people to sort of come together to work on this?

>> Well, first of all, the people are ready working together.

This block is full of people who are call my adoptive grandparents because everyone on that block is over 65 years old.

And what I put the landmark are on their block connected to my inequity for sale project.

That's how I met this.

wonderful block of amazing people who just really needed support.

They were helping each other and they're always trying to get home repairs, doing makeshift repairs, but they really needed some with more significant repairs.

And so this project was really just an effort to uplift what they've already been doing and boasted the work that they've been doing together.

And so really just bringing some funds to help them.

Do roof repairs, get the electrical work that they could not afford so that we can kind of offset the ways in which they had been depleting their own savings.

We also have a clip from be unblocked.

Inglewood project documentary.

>> Is the actual proof?

This is the direct consequence of those contract, very homes that black people were denied the opportunity to own.

I now vacant lot.

>> Vacant buildings and deteriorate buildings in this neighborhood.

But then the next surprise.

With actual heat meeting, people who are the children, those people.

>> Tell us about those people, the children, the descendants of the folks who are the victims of those land sale contracts.

How does this history continue to touch communities?

it continues to touch is because it is the reason that we have so many vacant.

Lots in greater Inglewood is the reason that so many of our schools are underfunded and now closed.

It is the reason that people are told to not go and so its rear of project, the don't go exactly to see it the shine a light on all of the issues that people who have been invested and living in that neighborhood for decades are struggling in facing and the support that they need and the fact that they have been engine in this neighborhood and they have been trying to remain homeowners for decades without getting that the support that they need.

And so these people are just an amazing well of wisdom, but also they are the future of us.

We're going to age and hopefully we want to age in place just like them.

community building.

Of course, it's central to the work that you do, especially in the folded map project, which he started back in 2018.

That is, of course, the project where you bring together map twins, people who live at corresponding addresses one northside once outside.

What has been the most surprising outcome from that project >> it being a demonstration that people sometimes people think that our issues shouldn't all we can get soft to policy.

But really this project served as a reminder that it is people people make up systems, people make a policy.

So if they seek a certain way, then they're going to behave and make decisions in a certain way and so for that matter, really help people too.

Not just see that its data, but it's about all of our lives and how we're all impacted by it.

Not just black and brown communities but predominantly white communities as well.

And >> it kept us from being together and what we can learn from each other.

But also how we can learned to breach these divides in ways that don't require policy change.

How can you remind people because a lot of your work is about the people who are part of the story, then being a part of air, the own their own repair, write their own fix up.

And like you just said, it's not always going to be policy or the government or someone else solving the problem.

How can you remind folks that they too can come up with their own way of solving a problem?

>> Through community?

Well, what I where we're at now, not only in this country, but in a city proves that policy hasn't gotten us to where we want it to be.

>> But the way that we show up for each other is how we continue to inspire, build hope.

And it also help people see how they can be problem solvers in their own lives.

And if the goal of segregation is to keep us a pardon.

We need to bridge the gap and start to learn more about each other because then if you do that, then you can break down stereotypes.

And if you break down stereotypes than you can envision and create together.

And so that's what I want my work remind people that we can do that.

We have the power to start a movement and create change by simply disrupting segregation.

So the MacArthur Grant comes with this little doses are in LA.

what's next for you?

What does that mean for you and your work?

>> It means the freedom to have stability did to dream bigger, to not necessarily have to worry about my livelihood when I want to do large, bold projects.

And also I want to help make my neighborhood more of arson culture hub.

So that means thinking about investment properties struck says that can outlive me, but also to help.

>> You know, have fun event my neighborhood.

You know, that is an attached to one bride and you know who to call when you to make of those Johnson.

Congrats, thanks again for joining Thank you so Worse.

>> And we're back to wrap things up right after this.

>> Reflecting the people and perspectives that make up our can This story is part of Chicago tonight.

Black Voice.

>> And that's our show for this Wednesday night.

Stay connected with our reporters and what they're working on by following us on Instagram at W T Tw Chicago and join us tomorrow night at 5, 30 10 now for all of us here in Chicago Brandis Friedman, thanks for watching.

Stay healthy and safe and have a good night.

>> Closed caption News may pass by Robert a cliff and Clifford law, personal injury,