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CPD, ICE Collaboration & What’s Next

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Summary

Alderman La Spata of the 1st Ward announced a virtual zoning meeting on February 6 to discuss Serve and Coco food‑delivery robots and highlighted a zoning inquiry for a 2‑flat rezoning at 2455 North California. He also referenced the City Council’s passage of the 2026 budget ordinances, noting that the mayor has not yet signed or vetoed them, and urged residents to review the budget blog. Other updates included a CPD‑ICE collaboration hearing, a rapid‑response training on January 27, a local school council candidate deadline on January 20, and a call for volunteers at Jose de Diego’s food pantry.

CPD, ICE Collaboration & What’s Next

1st Ward Newsletter | January 13, 2026

Dear neighbors,

Last week, I joined hundreds online and in the room for a hearing by the CCPSA Commission on collaboration between the Chicago Police Department and ICE agents in Chicago. I'm very grateful for our district councilors and the many volunteers who gathered the petition signatures needed for this hearing as well as so many who shared their anger, tears, and frustration. The dissonance between CPD's commitment to Chicagoans' safety and providing an armed escort for ICE caravans is incredible. It's further complicated by CPD leadership stating during our budget hearings that illegal actions by ICE agents will not be treated as crimes. CCPSA must now act on its mandate of accountability and for CPD to decide whether their priority is to serve and protect Chicagoans or ICE agents.

In the meantime, even in light of the horrifying death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, it is clear that the protection of our communities from ICE violence and abductions falls to us. We should have no illusions that the temporary withdrawal from Chicago is a permanent retreat. My office is sponsoring a training for individuals interested in getting involved in rapid response activities on January 27th at 6:00 p.m with a whistle kit building session following the training. Refreshments will be provided and . I'll see you there.

Finally, January 20th is the last day to file as a candidate for your , with the election following shortly after on March 18th. Whether you're a parent, staff person, community member, or even a student, you can shape the direction of your local neighborhood school and help it succeed!  are short on representation and need your leadership. I hope you'll consider whether this opportunity is right for you.

Have a safe and fun week!

Alderman La Spata

P.S.

In this week's newsletter, you'll find:

1st Ward Office

Save the date for our next Rapid Response Training with Pilsen Unidos Por Nuestro Orgullo (PUńO) on the evening of Tuesday, January 27. While we're not currently seeing the same intensity of ICE presence in our neighborhoods as earlier this year, ICE activity is still ongoing in Chicago. 
Budget Blog
Now that City Council passed the required budget ordinances for 2026 and the Mayor neither signed nor vetoed them, it is possible to fully assess the proposals in the 2026 Budget and additional financial and budgetary pressures in the City. Read our latest budget blog to understand what is in the new budget, what comprises the City's budget gap, and why it is difficult to request service cuts in the Corporate Fund.

Public Safety

New Crime Dashboard
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published a new dashboard that allows users to search and explore City of Chicago data on reported crimes, including what kinds of crimes are being reported and where, and the rates at which the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is solving—or “clearing” criminal investigations.  Data can be sorted and viewed by types of data, such as crime counts and clearance rates, and by percentage change to view trends over time. Geographic categories include Citywide or breakdown by District, Beat, and Community Area.

Community News and Events

Jose de Diego's food pantry is expanding! Now that the pantry is officially up and running, they could use additional volunteer assistance with conducting deliveries as well as maintaining the pantry itself, sorting, packing, and taking inventory of items. Interested volunteers can sign up with the pantry directly . 

Zoning

Community Meeting: Coco and Serve Robotics
The 1st Ward Office is hosting a virtual meeting on Friday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Serve and Coco food delivery robots as these companies seek to expand their operations in the ward. 1st Ward neighbors are invited to share their thoughts and opinions on this business model.
RSVP
Zoning Inquiries
2455 North California: A zoning attorney reached out to propose a rezoning to construct a 2-flat on a vacant lot, which was improperly subdivided from the adjacent 3-flat at 2453 North California. A zoning map amendment is necessary to bring 2453 North California into conformance with the Municipal Code, otherwise 2455 North California is an unbuildable lot. The 1st Ward Office provided a zoning intake packet, and requested numerous concepts from the redevelopment team to assess the future of this lot. (received January 2026)

1ST WARD ALDERMANIC OFFICE

LOCATION:
1958 N Milwaukee Avenue

HOURS: 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday - Friday

PHONE: 872-206-2685

REQUESTS: [email protected]

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