Guzzardi bill to push back against Trump border wall

A Northwest Side Democrat says Illinois’ values don’t stand in line with President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and he’s filed an Illinois House bill to help send that message.

State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, on Tuesday will announce a bill that would require state pension funds to divest investments in companies hired by the federal government to build a border wall. Guzzardi said he has the support of many Democratic colleagues and hopes for a vote on the bill when legislators return to Springfield next week.

Guzzardi says it’s a way to show that Illinois residents don’t support the wall or mass deportations.

“I think it’s really important to note Illinois rejected this agenda overwhelmingly on Election Day,” Guzzardi told the Sun-Times. “Not just in Chicago. Secretary Clinton won all over this state and counties, and I think it’s important to represent that Illinois values were made very clear and now is the time for us to stick up for those values.”

Guzzardi also urged Gov. Bruce Rauner to support the bill, saying it’s time for him to speak out about Trump’s views on immigration and find a way to protect the state’s immigrants.

“I hope this bill gives the governor an opportunity to show us that he is with the people of Illinois, with the immigrant community and with all of us who support that community and not on these issues of mass deportations, and building walls and scapegoating immigrants,” Guzzardi said.

Rauner last week revealed he spoke with Trump in a private phone call, although he didn’t detail what was discussed. The governor for months refused to discuss Trump or the presidential race, but did denounce his rhetoric, including his comments about women. Rauner has said he supports comprehensive immigration reform.

Guzzardi’s district represents parts of Avondale, Belmont-Cragin, Hermosa, Old Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square. He said a recent community meeting unveiled a sense of fear for many of his constituents.

“I represent a predominantly Latino district and there are a lot of undocumented families in my district, a lot of (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) families, whose children came over when they were very young. They haven’t even been to Mexico since they were 6 months old, and Donald Trump is talking about deporting them,” Guzzardi said.

“That’s very scary. That’s very scary to the families in my neighborhood and frankly scary for everyone who lives in our community.”