Chicago crime: Mayor Lori Lightfoot continues to push gang ordinance in effort to fight violence despite opposition

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is making an attempt to salvage a proposed gang forfeiture ordinance that has come underneath fireplace since day one.

Metropolis Council members have been introduced with some modifications to try to deal with issues Friday. Nonetheless, critics nonetheless say the measure is not going to assist cut back crime.

Lightfoot mentioned town wants each instrument in its arsenal to fight the gang violence that’s plaguing Chicago’s road, which is why she is pushing so arduous for an ordinance to grab belongings from gang leaders.

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“This ordinance is simply wrongheaded, some silly coverage and it’s only a distraction,” mentioned Craig Futterman, a professor on the College of Chicago Legislation College.

Futterman is certainly one of 50 members of the authorized neighborhood sending a letter to the mayor opposing the ordinance. They warn the ordinance would open town as much as pricey lawsuits and create additional mistrust in police.

Throughout a digital public security committee assembly Friday, the mayor’s group mentioned they’ve modified the ordinance to place up safeguards to ensure the civil lawsuits solely goal grownup gang leaders and defend the belongings of relations.

“I imagine there are lots of sides of this ordinance that may assist us with crime within the metropolis of Chicago,” mentioned Alderman Anthony Napolitano, forty first Ward.

Nonetheless, others remained skeptical.

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“How a lot in public {dollars} are we going to be spending after which, what’s the profit,” requested Alderwoman Maria Hadden, forty ninth Ward.

Final fall, ABC7 talked with a neighborhood outreach employee within the Again of the Yards neighborhood who stays skeptical as a result of he mentioned the gangs are so fractured there’s no so-called “native kingpins” to go after.

“It sounds good on paper and sounds good, you understand, that that is what we’re doing however I don’t assume it’s gonna make no sort of influence in any respect,” mentioned Oscar Contreras, with the Again of the Yards Community Council.

The mayor disputed that argument Thursday.

“The very fact of the matter is, there’s a important revenue motive on the a part of these gang members to commit the crimes they’re committing,” Mayor Lightfoot mentioned.

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The town reported Friday that legislation enforcement in Chicago seized $26 million in money final 12 months.

Nonetheless, critics name the ordinance a nasty coverage.

“We all know that when there are will increase in crime, politicians and elected officers prefer to seize on to straightforward options to be able to say that they’re doing one thing,” mentioned Ed Yohnka, ACLU of Illinois director of public coverage.

Friday’s listening to was solely informational, with the mayor’s workplace persevering with to push for help. However it’s not clear if the ordinance will even make it out of committee.