Francia Garcia Hernandez
@franciagarciah.bsky.social
Reporter covering Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards for Block Club Chicago | Host of ¡Presente! | Hablo español | Mexicana
Tips: Francia@blockclubchi.org
Tips: Francia@blockclubchi.org
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
JUST IN: The trial in Chicago's Broadview conspiracy case is set for May 26.
Background: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Background: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
February 5, 2026 at 4:05 PM
JUST IN: The trial in Chicago's Broadview conspiracy case is set for May 26.
Background: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Background: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Catch me this afternoon speaking with a powerful panel on how local journalists can cover immigration enforcement operations. I'll be sharing more about how @blockclubchi.bsky.social covered Operation Midway Blitz.
@freedom.press
Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
@freedom.press
Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🔔 Immigration enforcement reporting can be dangerous.
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
February 5, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Catch me this afternoon speaking with a powerful panel on how local journalists can cover immigration enforcement operations. I'll be sharing more about how @blockclubchi.bsky.social covered Operation Midway Blitz.
@freedom.press
Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
@freedom.press
Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
🔔 Immigration enforcement reporting can be dangerous.
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
January 29, 2026 at 10:39 PM
🔔 Immigration enforcement reporting can be dangerous.
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Learn how lessons from one community can apply elsewhere with local journalists @eltragon.bsky.social, @franciagarciah.bsky.social, @nigrotime.bsky.social, and @kevinhfoster.bsky.social.
Feb. 5, 2 pm ET
RSVP: freedom.press/covering-immigration
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
For the last few months, I kept a document where every time I saw reports of fed immigration agents shooting or pointing their gun at someone, I made a note. The list grew and grew. It now includes 4 deaths. Here is what I noticed keeping that list.
www.themarshallproject.org/2026/01/07/i...
www.themarshallproject.org/2026/01/07/i...
Before ICE Shooting, Immigration Agents Repeatedly Used Deadly Force
The killing of a Minneapolis woman is latest by ICE and Border Patrol officers in recent months. Others have been wounded or threatened with guns.
www.themarshallproject.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:34 PM
For the last few months, I kept a document where every time I saw reports of fed immigration agents shooting or pointing their gun at someone, I made a note. The list grew and grew. It now includes 4 deaths. Here is what I noticed keeping that list.
www.themarshallproject.org/2026/01/07/i...
www.themarshallproject.org/2026/01/07/i...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot Launches ICE Accountability Project To Document Agent Abuses
Her project will collect & vet alleged wrongdoing by fed agents on a new website to eventually help “someone with a grand jury subpoena.”
Mack Liederman/Block Club Chicago
blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/08/f...
Her project will collect & vet alleged wrongdoing by fed agents on a new website to eventually help “someone with a grand jury subpoena.”
Mack Liederman/Block Club Chicago
blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/08/f...
January 8, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot Launches ICE Accountability Project To Document Agent Abuses
Her project will collect & vet alleged wrongdoing by fed agents on a new website to eventually help “someone with a grand jury subpoena.”
Mack Liederman/Block Club Chicago
blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/08/f...
Her project will collect & vet alleged wrongdoing by fed agents on a new website to eventually help “someone with a grand jury subpoena.”
Mack Liederman/Block Club Chicago
blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/08/f...
We've been quietly at work, taking a look back at how Operation Midway Blitz changed Chicago and what happened after hundreds of federal agents detained immigrants. Unlike what the feds claimed, over 60% of those arrested did not have criminal charges.
READ:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/30/c...
READ:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/30/c...
Chicago Under Siege: How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City
Federal agents arrested thousands during an unprecedented immigration mission in Chicago. They also killed a man, shot a woman five times, tear-gassed a 1-year-old, separated families and brutalized p...
blockclubchicago.org
December 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM
We've been quietly at work, taking a look back at how Operation Midway Blitz changed Chicago and what happened after hundreds of federal agents detained immigrants. Unlike what the feds claimed, over 60% of those arrested did not have criminal charges.
READ:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/30/c...
READ:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/30/c...
A newly uncovered video shows the chamber's former director of community development & outreach thanking and encouraging immigration agents. After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
Little Village Chamber Leader Thanked Border Patrol Agents As They Arrested Neighbors, Video Shows
Little Village, an enclave for Mexican Americans and immigrants, was heavily targeted during Operation Midway Blitz. After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer e...
blockclubchicago.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:45 PM
A newly uncovered video shows the chamber's former director of community development & outreach thanking and encouraging immigration agents. After Block Club uncovered the video, the chamber said the employee was no longer employed there “effective immediately.”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/03/l...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
When a lawyer asked Bovino if he stood by an earlier statement that use of force has been "exemplary," he said he would rate their performance even higher: "All uses of force have been more than exemplary.”
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/p...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/p...
Border Chief Bovino Calls Use Of Force By Immigration Agents In Chicago 'More Than Exemplary'
During a pivotal federal court hearing on immigration crackdown tactics, other witnesses described being assaulted, threatened with guns, tear-gassed and shot with pepper balls.
blockclubchicago.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:26 PM
When a lawyer asked Bovino if he stood by an earlier statement that use of force has been "exemplary," he said he would rate their performance even higher: "All uses of force have been more than exemplary.”
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/p...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/p...
When ICE comes to their neighborhoods, residents in Los Angeles and Chicago know it’s time to act.
“We’re talking about thousands of people that have been activated,” an organizer said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/f...
with @lapublicpress.bsky.social
“We’re talking about thousands of people that have been activated,” an organizer said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/f...
with @lapublicpress.bsky.social
From Chicago To LA, Neighborly Solidarity Fuels Resistance To ICE
Volunteer patrols, mutual aid efforts and immigrant defenders are driving the anti-fascist movement against ICE and countering the “crime-ridden” fear narratives about their cities.
blockclubchicago.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
When ICE comes to their neighborhoods, residents in Los Angeles and Chicago know it’s time to act.
“We’re talking about thousands of people that have been activated,” an organizer said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/f...
with @lapublicpress.bsky.social
“We’re talking about thousands of people that have been activated,” an organizer said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/f...
with @lapublicpress.bsky.social
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
At Least 2 People — Including A Citizen — Detained By Immigration Agents In Albany Park Friday blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/a...
At Least 2 People — Including A Citizen — Detained By Immigration Agents In Albany Park Friday
ALBANY PARK — At least two people were detained by immigration agents Friday morning in Albany Park on the Northwest Side. According to video and
blockclubchicago.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:17 PM
At Least 2 People — Including A Citizen — Detained By Immigration Agents In Albany Park Friday blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/a...
People at the facility are being denied water, food, medical care, hygiene and other basic necessities in an extremely cramped facility that smells strongly of feces, urine and body odor, according to the lawsuit.
via @minabloom.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/l...
via @minabloom.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/l...
Lawsuit Alleges 'Horrific And Inhumane' Conditions At Broadview ICE Facility
The federal lawsuit says detained people are being denied water, food, medical care and hygiene: "They treated us like animals, or worse than animals, because no one treats their pets like that."
blockclubchicago.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:22 PM
People at the facility are being denied water, food, medical care, hygiene and other basic necessities in an extremely cramped facility that smells strongly of feces, urine and body odor, according to the lawsuit.
via @minabloom.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/l...
via @minabloom.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/31/l...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino arrives at the Federal Building in Chicago's Loop this morning.
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino arrives at the Federal Building in Chicago's Loop this morning.
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
Another video from that day shows a federal agent shoot a pepper-spray ball at a protester who had been standing and recording the agents in Little Village.
www.youtube.com/shorts/TQuAD...
www.youtube.com/shorts/TQuAD...
Pilsen man shot by a pepper bullet at close range in Little Village
YouTube video by Block Club Chicago
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Another video from that day shows a federal agent shoot a pepper-spray ball at a protester who had been standing and recording the agents in Little Village.
www.youtube.com/shorts/TQuAD...
www.youtube.com/shorts/TQuAD...
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino is appearing in court today, just a few days after he was seen on video tear-gassing a crowd in Little Village.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/27/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/27/f...
Border Patrol Chief Bovino To Appear In Federal Court Tuesday On Tear Gas, Use Of Force
Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino is being called in as part of a lawsuit filed on behalf of Block Club Chicago and other organizations over immigration agents using force against journalists and peacefu...
blockclubchicago.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino is appearing in court today, just a few days after he was seen on video tear-gassing a crowd in Little Village.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/27/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/27/f...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Here’s the latest from the Chicago Pilsen, Little Village, and Back of the Yards community on The Banh Mi Chronicles Podcast from reporter @franciagarciah.bsky.social of @blockclubchi.bsky.social regarding the ongoing ICE raids & journalism safety
open.substack.com/pub/randykim...
open.substack.com/pub/randykim...
EMERGENCY EPISODE: Reporting on the Front Line of the ICE Raids in Chicago w/Francia Garcia Hernandez
A deep dive with Block Club Chicago reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez on the ongoing ICE raids, and the resilience fueling the fight to protect Chicago residents
open.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Here’s the latest from the Chicago Pilsen, Little Village, and Back of the Yards community on The Banh Mi Chronicles Podcast from reporter @franciagarciah.bsky.social of @blockclubchi.bsky.social regarding the ongoing ICE raids & journalism safety
open.substack.com/pub/randykim...
open.substack.com/pub/randykim...
Since the start of Operations Midway Blitz and At Large, typical is no longer a thing.
More about what it's like to cover immigration enforcement operations in Chicago @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
More about what it's like to cover immigration enforcement operations in Chicago @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
Ever since federal agents arrived in Chicago in September, “typical is no longer a thing."
@franciagarciah.bsky.social + I on how @blockclubchi.bsky.social is covering Operation Midway Blitz — while trying to protect our staff — in @poynterinstitute.bsky.social: www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
@franciagarciah.bsky.social + I on how @blockclubchi.bsky.social is covering Operation Midway Blitz — while trying to protect our staff — in @poynterinstitute.bsky.social: www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Tear gas, fear and federal secrecy: How Chicago journalists are covering Trump’s immigration policies while living through them - Poynter
‘It’s really exhausting, mentally and physically. But somebody has to record history’
www.poynter.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Since the start of Operations Midway Blitz and At Large, typical is no longer a thing.
More about what it's like to cover immigration enforcement operations in Chicago @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
More about what it's like to cover immigration enforcement operations in Chicago @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
New video shows Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino tossing a tear gas canister toward people in Little Village Thursday. Another video shows a federal agent shoot a pepper-spray ball at a protester.
W/ @minabloom.bsky.social for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/24/b...
W/ @minabloom.bsky.social for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/24/b...
Border Patrol Boss Bovino Tear-Gasses Chicago Crowd, Violating Judge’s Order, Lawyers Say
New video shows Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino tossing a tear gas canister toward people in Little Village Thursday. Attorneys in an ongoing lawsuit over force against peaceful protesters say Bovino ...
blockclubchicago.org
October 24, 2025 at 5:33 PM
New video shows Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino tossing a tear gas canister toward people in Little Village Thursday. Another video shows a federal agent shoot a pepper-spray ball at a protester.
W/ @minabloom.bsky.social for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/24/b...
W/ @minabloom.bsky.social for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/24/b...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Federal agencies paid $1.5 million to a local nonlethal weapons manufacturer in Chicago for air-powered guns and pepper balls. It also paid $7.3 million to a downtown real estate company to relocate ICE agents leading up to Operation Midway Blitz. blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/23/c...
Chicago-Area Companies Raked In Millions From Feds As Operation Midway Blitz Intensified
One Chicago-based company was awarded more than $7 million to relocate ICE employees while a suburban weapons manufacturer was paid nearly $1.5 million in two weeks to supply pepper balls and air-powe...
blockclubchicago.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Federal agencies paid $1.5 million to a local nonlethal weapons manufacturer in Chicago for air-powered guns and pepper balls. It also paid $7.3 million to a downtown real estate company to relocate ICE agents leading up to Operation Midway Blitz. blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/23/c...
Federal agents detained a woman who works for the news agency WGN on Friday morning, witnesses said.
“WGN is aware of this situation, and we are actively gathering the facts related to it,” the company said in a statement.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/10/w...
“WGN is aware of this situation, and we are actively gathering the facts related to it,” the company said in a statement.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/10/w...
WGN Staffer Detained By Border Patrol Agents In Lincoln Square, Neighbors Say
The woman was recording agents as they detained a man when they took her into custody, handcuffing her and putting her a van, according to witnesses and video. The agents drove into another car while ...
blockclubchicago.org
October 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Federal agents detained a woman who works for the news agency WGN on Friday morning, witnesses said.
“WGN is aware of this situation, and we are actively gathering the facts related to it,” the company said in a statement.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/10/w...
“WGN is aware of this situation, and we are actively gathering the facts related to it,” the company said in a statement.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/10/w...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Park No. 571 occupies a site on the Chicago River that once housed a Peoples Gas plant. With Peoples Gas set to remediate its last parcel along the river, the park could be in line for a dramatic expansion.
via Mack Liederman / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/16/b...
via Mack Liederman / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/16/b...
September 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Park No. 571 occupies a site on the Chicago River that once housed a Peoples Gas plant. With Peoples Gas set to remediate its last parcel along the river, the park could be in line for a dramatic expansion.
via Mack Liederman / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/16/b...
via Mack Liederman / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/16/b...
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Get NIJC's Know Your Rights resources at www.immigrantjustice.org/KYR
➡️ If You Encounter ICE
➡️ What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained
➡️ Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in the Event of Deportation
➡️ Prepare for Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats
& more
➡️ If You Encounter ICE
➡️ What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained
➡️ Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in the Event of Deportation
➡️ Prepare for Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats
& more
Know Your Rights - National Immigrant Justice Center
Get information to be prepared to encounter ICE and to protect yourself and your loved ones.
www.immigrantjustice.org
September 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Get NIJC's Know Your Rights resources at www.immigrantjustice.org/KYR
➡️ If You Encounter ICE
➡️ What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained
➡️ Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in the Event of Deportation
➡️ Prepare for Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats
& more
➡️ If You Encounter ICE
➡️ What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained
➡️ Plan Ahead to Protect Your Family in the Event of Deportation
➡️ Prepare for Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats
& more
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
Missing dog alert! Angel Santiago, of Logan Square, has been searching for Bam Bam since June, when the elderly service dog was stolen from his backyard. Santiago is blind and is asking neighbors for help finding his best friend/emotional support animal."He's our happiness." blockclubchi.co/4mfW5NG
A Blind Man's Service Dog Was Stolen In Logan Square. He's Asking For Neighbors' Help To Find Him
Angel Santiago, of Logan Square, has been searching for Bam Bam since June, when the elderly service dog was stolen from his backyard.
blockclubchi.co
August 8, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Missing dog alert! Angel Santiago, of Logan Square, has been searching for Bam Bam since June, when the elderly service dog was stolen from his backyard. Santiago is blind and is asking neighbors for help finding his best friend/emotional support animal."He's our happiness." blockclubchi.co/4mfW5NG
The Mayor’s Office is recommending the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate when there are allegations police helped federal immigration officers — including a controversial June 4 immigration raid in the South Loop.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/05/m...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/05/m...
Mayor Says COPA Should Investigate If Police Assisted ICE With Immigration Raid
Some alderpeople have demanded the city investigate whether Chicago police violated sanctuary city laws during the raid, but it wasn’t clear until now which agency should take the lead.
blockclubchicago.org
August 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The Mayor’s Office is recommending the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate when there are allegations police helped federal immigration officers — including a controversial June 4 immigration raid in the South Loop.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/05/m...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/05/m...
Seven Illinois representatives co-sponsored a bill that would ban immigration agents from wearing masks. In Chicago, police district council members want the city to enforce “identification standards” for law enforcement.
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/07/n...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/07/n...
Can Local Officials Stop ICE Agents From Hiding Behind Masks? They're Trying
Seven Illinois representatives co-sponsored a bill that would ban immigration agents from wearing masks. In Chicago, police district council members want the city to enforce “identification standards”...
blockclubchicago.org
July 7, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Seven Illinois representatives co-sponsored a bill that would ban immigration agents from wearing masks. In Chicago, police district council members want the city to enforce “identification standards” for law enforcement.
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/07/n...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/07/n...