CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus held a press conference to address divisions between Black and Latino communities. As some protests over the murder of George Floyd have been infiltrated by those hoping to incite violence and racial tension, officials condemned the rioting and emphasized the need for cooperation in their fight for justice.

State Senators Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), Omar Aquino (D-Chicago), Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) were joined by elected officials from all levels of government.

Officials called for the General Assembly and executive branches to implement policies including community policing, demilitarizing law enforcement agencies, equitable investment in communities of color and accountability for officers who abuse force.