On Oct. 23, 2025 the United States Federal Government, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement (“ICE”) filed an indictment of two counts against Oak Park Village Trustee Brian Straw.
We, the undersigned, stand in full support of our colleague. We believe his actions as a peaceful protester are constitutionally protected and lawful. We are appalled by the actions of the Federal Government surrounding this case and those of “Operation Midway Blitz.”
The state of Illinois has documented unlawful, unconstitutional, and inhumane tactics of federal agents terrorizing our communities with violent abductions, including of U.S. citizens, without warrant or explanation. They fatally shot an unarmed civilian during a traffic stop. They have caused high-speed collisions in residential neighborhoods. They have pepper-sprayed innocent bystanders and peaceful protesters across Cook County and outside the ICE facility in Broadview, including faith leaders and candidates for elected office. They have tear-gassed children trick-or-treating.
This is the moment to resist.
Brian Straw was present at the ICE facility in Broadview on the day in question, exercising his First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful assembly. All evidence in this case suggests a targeted attack on elected officials and community members with influence. This case and others like it are a threat to democracy.
We believe democracy is worth fighting for and expect he will prevail in his case. Brian Straw is a public servant who has committed his time and talents to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Illinois. He and other peaceful protesters deserve our respect and gratitude. His time outside the ICE facility in Broadview was lawful, just, and the appropriate response to the human rights abuses perpetrated by the federal government. This is consistent with his service as an elected official for the village of Oak Park.
We refuse to be silent.
We stand with our colleague, Brian Straw, and with every resident who speaks out against the violent attacks on our communities.
Vicki Scaman
Oak Park Village President
Derek Eder
Chibuike Enyia
Jenna Leving-Jacobson
Cory J. Wesley
Oak Park Village Trustees
Christina M. Waters
Oak Park Village Clerk
Tim Thomas
Oak Park Township Supervisor
Eric Davis
Juan Muñoz
Lou Anne Johannesson
Oak Park Township Trustees
Audrey Williams-Lee
District 200 School Board President
Tim Brandhorst
D200 School Board Vice President
Jonathan Livingston, PhD
Kathleen Odell
School Board Members
OPRF High School, D200
Virginia D. Bloom
President, Oak Park Public Library Board
Susanne Fairfax
Vice President, Oak Park Public Library Board
Colin Bird-Martinez
Megan Butman
Kristina Rogers
Annie Wilkinson
Mika Yamamoto
Oak Park Public Library Board Trustees
Cheree Moore
Jung Kim
Nancy Ross Dribin
Gavin Kearney
Venus Hurd Johnson
Holly Spurlock
Becky Perez
District 97 School Board Members