Francia Garcia Hernandez
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franciagarciah.bsky.social
Francia Garcia Hernandez
@franciagarciah.bsky.social
990 followers 30 following 28 posts
Reporter covering Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards for Block Club Chicago | Host of ¡Presente! | Hablo español | Mexicana

Tips: Francia@blockclubchi.org
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Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
minabloom.bsky.social
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...
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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
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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
colinbphoto.bsky.social
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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...
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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
colinbphoto.bsky.social
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino arrives at the Federal Building in Chicago's Loop this morning.

#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 2:42 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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...
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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
banhmichronicles.bsky.social
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...
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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
October 27, 2025 at 3:26 AM
franciagarciah.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...
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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
mannyramos.bsky.social
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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 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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
colinbphoto.bsky.social
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...
September 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
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
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
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
arielparrella.bsky.social
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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...
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
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...
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
franciagarciah.bsky.social
Nearly a month after ICE mass arrests in the South Loop office, city agencies are still trying to figure out who’s responsible for investigating whether Chicago police improperly aided the effort.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/01/w...
Who Investigates If Chicago Cops Help ICE? City Officials Still Debating 'Unprecedented' Situation
Almost a month after ICE mass arrests in the South Loop, city officials are still arguing over who is responsible for investigating claims police violated the city's sanctuary laws during the arrests ...
blockclubchicago.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
Reps. Danny K. Davis, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson were refused entry to the Broadview center and told to email ICE, which they called unlawful.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/18/l...
Lawmakers Investigating Allegations Of 'Inhumane' Conditions At ICE Facility Denied Entry
Reps. Danny Davis, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson were refused entry to the Broadview center and told to email ICE — which they called unlawful.
blockclubchicago.org
June 18, 2025 at 9:46 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
Three alderpeople are calling on the city to investigate whether Chicago police officers helped U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a June 4 raid at a South Loop facility where agents arrested at least 10 people.

@blockclubchi.bsky.social

blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/09/d...
Did Chicago Cops Help ICE During Mass Arrests? City Leaders Call For Investigation
Ald. Andre Vasquez wants to investigate whether police violated the Welcoming City ordinance during an ICE operation last week. Chicago police officials said officers were on the scene to preserve pub...
blockclubchicago.org
June 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
colinbphoto.bsky.social
It's been an incredibly busy week, and the @blockclubchi.bsky.social team did an amazing job documenting it all. Please take a look at our photos:

This Week In Photos: ICE Arrests Spark Chaos, Bilingual Education Programs Fall Short And More
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/06/t...
Supporters form a barricade around library entrance to prevent protestors from interfering with the event. Credit: Layla Brown-Clark/Block Club Chicago Federal agents force people back as they detain several people at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office, 2245 S. Michigan Ave., in South Loop on June 4, 2025. Credit: Sebastián Hidalgo for Block Club Chicago Teddy Wachholz looks down to the new shuffleboard court at the Senior Citizen Memorial Park in Chicago on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Credit: Addison Annis/Block Club Chicago Sylvelia Pittman, a 20-year teacher, speaks to her grandson Cahari at Nash Elementary School, 4837 W. Erie St., in Austin on June 3, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
June 6, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
minabloom.bsky.social
What’s going to happen to these kids, & what’s the school district going to do to help them?

That’s what Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amin and I were wondering last yr after we spent months reporting on the struggles of migrant kids in CPS.

So we kept reporting.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/05/w...
Waiting To Learn: How Bilingual Education In Chicago Falls Short
Chicago has been slow to provide many schools with what they need to serve English learners. The result: Students are left waiting for an education they’re legally entitled to, and teachers feel unpre...
blockclubchicago.org
June 5, 2025 at 1:35 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
Federal agents arrested two men Monday at Pilsen’s Carnitas Don Pedro and a nearby home. Agents did not present a warrant for the arrests, which were captured on video, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/03/i...

@blockclubchi.bsky.social
ICE Agents Arrest 2 Pilsen Men At Carnitas Restaurant, Home, Officials Say
Federal agents arrested two men Monday at Pilsen's Carnitas Don Pedro and a nearby home. Agents did not present a warrant for the arrests, which were captured on video, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said.
blockclubchicago.org
June 3, 2025 at 1:59 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
The state program, slated to end this summer, provides health care to more than 33,000 immigrants.
Its end could further strain emergency rooms and safety net clinics, advocates said.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/08/t...

For @blockclubchi.bsky.social
The Fight To Save State's Immigrant Health Care Program: 'We Are Not A Burden. We Contribute'
The state's decision to end a health care program for undocumented immigrants could force 33,000 people to lose health coverage and further strain emergency rooms and safety net clinics, advocates sai...
blockclubchicago.org
May 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Reposted by Francia Garcia Hernandez
arielparrella.bsky.social
Self-defense experts are spreading awareness and offering classes to keep Logan Square residents safe after recent sexual assault attacks in the area. There's one class tonight and more upcoming next month. Sign ups and info below. blockclubchi.co/3YHyHP7
Experts Organize Self-Defense Classes In Logan Square In Response To Sexual Assaults
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and a series of self-defense classes and resources are available for Logan Square residents after recent sexual assault attacks in the area.
blockclubchi.co
April 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM
franciagarciah.bsky.social
Chicagoans are remembering Pope Francis for his compassion and love of people. Francis leaves behind an immense legacy of love and service, said parishioners who flocked to Holy Name Cathedral on Monday for Mass.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/21/c...

@blockclubchi.bsky.social
Chicagoans Mourn Pope Francis: 'The People's Pope'
Local parishioners and faith and political leaders recalled Pope Francis' legacy and his "love for the people." The Roman Catholic Church leader died Monday at 88.
blockclubchicago.org
April 21, 2025 at 11:19 PM