September 4, 2025

City of Chicago Launches Expanded Know Your Rights, Family Preparedness Campaign

Amid reports of potential militarized immigration enforcement and National Guard deployment, the City is taking steps to inform Chicagoans on their rights and ensure families are prepared.

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

CHICAGO – Today Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) announced the launch of two new initiatives: the expansion of the City’s Know Your Rights (KYR) Campaign and the Family Preparedness Campaign (FPC). As part of its ongoing efforts to keep families informed, IMMR unveiled a new, upgraded website designed specifically for immigrant and refugee communities.  

The City is taking proactive steps to protect residents by offering accessible resources and guidance to help families stay informed and prepared amid reports of increased immigration enforcement and potential National Guard deployment.  

“The Family Preparedness Campaign gives our communities the tools they need to stay informed in this moment,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration will not allow our communities to be consumed by fear and uncertainty. We will continue to provide updated information so that all of the families of Chicago are prepared.” 

“As families face uncertain times, it is critical that Chicagoans are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones,” said Beatriz Ponce de León, Deputy Mayor for Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights 

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS CAMPAIGN 

The Family Preparedness Campaign is the next phase of the City’s KYR initiative. It provides immigrant, refugee, and mixed-status families with tools and resources to prepare in case of family separation due to federal immigration enforcement. 

The campaign’s guiding principles are: Stay Informed, Be Prepared, and Stay Connected. 

Key resources include: 

  • Printable and fillable Family Preparedness Plan packets created by community partners, available in multiple languages, to help families organize critical information. 
  • Infographics and guides with trusted resources and community contacts. 
  • Workshops hosted in partnership with organizations such as the Chicago Legal Protection Fund and the Chicago Public Library, offering step-by-step guidance on creating safety and communication plans. 

IMMR will host its first virtual Family Preparedness workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 4. The office will host subsequent workshops every Thursday evening throughout September. Residents are invited to register for the webinars online and can view additional information on IMMR’s website. 

UPGRADED IMRR WEBSITE 

The City has also launched a newly enhanced IMRR website at www.chicago.gov/IMRR, led by the Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR). 

This updated digital resource provides: 

  • Step-by-step, easy-to-follow guidance for immigrant families and individuals; 
  • User-friendly content and clear visuals; 
  • Resources tailored to immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting services and protections. 

For more information, visit www.chicago.gov or contact the Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights at imrr@cityofchicago.org. 

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