Cook County Encourages Residents to Celebrate Safely for Parades and Upcoming Events

Cook County is reminding residents to stay safe and plan ahead as multiple large-scale events take place across Chicago and suburban Cook County this weekend and into next week.

Events include:

• Mexican Independence Day Parades in Little Village and on Commercial Avenue (Sunday).
• Lakeview East Festival of the Arts (Saturday and Sunday).
• Lady Gaga concerts at the United Center (next week).

“These events showcase the culture, creativity and spirit of our communities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Cook County is working closely with the City of Chicago and public safety partners to help ensure that everyone can celebrate safely.”

Cook County is supporting the City of Chicago by deploying safety resources, including protective equipment such as traffic barriers, to help safeguard residents and event-goers.

Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors:

• Stay cool: wear light clothing, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
• Stay hydrated: drink water regularly, especially if attending outdoor events.
• Stay informed: sign up for ALERTCOOK, Cook County’s free text message alert system, for weather or emergency updates by texting ALERTCOOK to 888-777.
• Allow extra travel time, anticipate road closures and consider public transportation.
• Follow event rules, respect posted security measures and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Know Your Rights & Cook County Resources for the Immigrant Community:

Cook County also reminds residents that resources are available to help families navigate emergencies and access services.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

• You have the right to remain silent, not answer questions and not sign any documents.
• You have the right to deny entry without a valid warrant.
• You have the right to ask to speak to an attorney.
• You have the right to clearly state if you are afraid to go back to your country of origin.
• You have the right to ask to speak with the consulate from your country of citizenship.

PREPARE YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY

• Create a family emergency plan. Identify a person who can care for your household if you are arrested or detained.
• Locate important documents and store them in a safe place, known to members of the household.
• Memorize at least one phone number of a family member, attorney or community organization with resources.

To request a Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA) legal consultation for yourself or a loved one who is detained, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Network Hotline: 855-435-7693.

ACCESS COUNTY RESOURCES

Cook County Government is committed to serving all residents and workers, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. As the second-largest county in the United States, where 21% of residents are foreign-born, we provide a variety of services and protections for all residents across the county.

• 2-1-1 Metro Chicago: 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 service that connects all Cook County residents to essential health and social service support during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs. Get connected with childcare, disability services, food, housing and more.
• Cook County Health Services: All Cook County residents ages 19 to 64—regardless of immigration or citizenship status—may apply for health insurance via CareLink, a free program that helps cover the costs of healthcare at Cook County Health facilities.
• Cook County Interpretation & Translation Services: All visitors to Cook County offices can request a translator. Printed materials may also be requested in additional languages, including Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Urdu and Tagalog.
• Free Legal Aid Services for Housing & Debt Issues: By contacting Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD), all county residents can obtain free legal assistance if they are facing eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt or tax deed issues. Visit CookCountyLegalAid.org for more information.

For more information about Cook County resources for immigrants, visit our Immigration Resources webpage: CookCountyIL.gov/immigration.

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