On Sept. 26, 2025, I showed up to the Broadview ICE Detention facility to stand up for our immigrant neighbors. I had no way of knowing that morning what a profound impact that choice would have on my life — that a month later I would be facing federal charges and be forced to endure seven months of legal battles and personal uncertainty as a result.
Standing up against the full weight of the Department of Justice could have been a lonely experience. But I am writing today because my experience was the exact opposite of lonely. One of the hardest periods of my life was made easier because of you: The community that stood with me since Day One.
I could not have stood up to the Trump administration without the support of Oak Park, and I will forever be grateful for your support.
I owe many thank-yous, but I would like to start with Village President Vicki Scaman and Senate President Don Harmon, who have been relentlessly in my corner throughout this ordeal. They have listened to my tear-filled phone calls, shown up to court, spoken out in support of me, and helped connect me to others. Elected leaders generally shy away from anyone under indictment, which makes their support even more appreciated and extraordinary. I could not be more grateful to them for understanding this moment in history and standing with me.
And it is not just our elected leaders.
The village as a whole has embraced me and shown great care for me and my family. I cannot count the number of times folks have stopped me to shake my hand, look me in the eye, and tell me they stand with me. Because of the support of this community, the court had to open a second overflow courtroom for folks looking to stand behind me as I was arraigned. In addition, neighbors have supported my legal defense fund, watched my children, and helped get them to baseball practices and theater rehearsal so that Shannon and I could attend my court dates. Our lives did not stop for this prosecution, but you were the ones who helped us keep going in every possible way.
The faith community across northern Illinois stood with our immigrant neighbors outside Broadview — and have stood with me and the Broadview Six throughout this prosecution. Faith leaders have shown up to bear witness, pray with me, and lend me their strength at every hearing. United Methodist clergy had arranged a prayer service for the eve of trial. The fact that my church would bless me one night and my government would prosecute me the next morning for the same act will forever be a defining dichotomy of this experience.
Finally, I would like to lodge an early nomination for Christopher Parente as Villager of the Year. Chris served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for years, both in Miami and Chicago. But in the last year, Chris has represented both me and Marimar Martinez in cases that drew national attention and helped define the battle for justice in America. Chris has demonstrated an understanding that we are not living in ordinary times and that these cases require fighting not just for his clients, but for higher principles. Time and again, Chris’ instincts, clarity of purpose, and understanding of what is at stake in this moment have proven correct. I will be forever grateful for his friendship, his counsel, and that he chose to stand alongside me in this fight.
While the charges against me have been dismissed, I recognize that the fight is not over. You stood with me because this case has always been about more than just me. Because of your support, we now have the opportunity to turn the page and hold accountable a system of injustice that too frequently does not face accountability for its actions. I don’t take your support lightly, and I will continue to fight until justice is truly served.
Thank you.
Brian Straw is an Oak Park village trustee and a free man.