PeoriaStory

Immigrants issues

PEORIA, IL -- From a press release, correxted:

When: Wednesday, October 7, at 1pm

Where: United States District Court Central District of Illinois

RLI insurance company, a billion dollar corporation located in Peoria, IL has put tens of thousands of immigrants & refugees at risk by causing a major data breach of migrant private information. The release of this information can be used against these people by the ICE, cartels, human trafficking, white supremacists & other fascists. Furthermore, RLI leadership has a history of anti-immigrant statements and insensitivity towards the dangers faced by migrants.

In response, organizations like Americans Resisting Minority & Ethnic Discrimination (ARMED) & Soy Libre came to Peoria in order to seek recompense from RLI. Instead of dialogue, activists were met with disdain, indifference, threats, and stalking by both RLI Insurance and Pinnacle Securities which is hired by RLI. Peoria States Attorney Judi Hoos & Sheriff Brian Asbell even stepped in to protect billionaires by arresting several peaceful protesters.

See the video of Pinnacle Security thugs illegally detain Bishop Jackson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjUapiID79A&t=326s

In response to these actions Organizers of Soy Libre, A.R.M.E.D., Peoria No Ban No Wall, and others will host a press conference announcing litigation against the Peoria County Sheriffs Office, RLI Insurance Company and Pinnacle Security that has been hired to intimidate and harass peaceful protestors. Join us Tuesday, October 6, at 1pm United States District Court Central District of Illinois in the heart of Downtown Peoria.

Come out and support black & brown protesters fighting against fascism and to protect immigrant rights. Come out and support the right of protesters to make their voices heard without corporate or government threats!

When:  Wed. October 7, at 1pm

Where: United States District Court Central District of Illinois

 

Interesting story

PEORIA, IL -- Here's a blog post from Dr. John Carroll, which takes aim at Peoria hospitals that refuse to help a Haitian woman who needs surgery.

http://blogs.pjstar.com/haiti/2015/03/18/judithe-accepted-for-heart-surgery-plus-the-story-we-dont-want-to-know/?_ga=1.137591090.325553693.1425520209

Gay hate crime denied, not investigated

PEORIA -- It's been nearly a month since a Nov. 27 attack against two men at a Peoria night club. Witnesses have said this was a hate crime against men thought to be gay, but the Peoria County sheriff's office and State's Attorney apparently have not investigated this aspect of the crime.

Here's a letter from PEER -- People Entitled to Equal Rights-- that outlines what happened. 

The Peoria Journal Star has refused to publish this letter, citing fears of liability, a PEER member said. 

At a recent League of Women Voters candidate meeting, sheriff Mike McCoy, who is running for reelection on the Republican ticket, was asked about this incident, but blew off the question. 

He needs to be asked about this again until some answers are forthcoming. 

If this was a hate crime, as alleged, the public needs to know.  Consider what would have occurred if this had been a racist crime delivered with hate remarks against African-Americans!   There would be community discussion, raising awareness and sensitivity, as is taking place now in Canton, where the police chief is alleged have made racist remarks -- words only, without any crime.

But hate words often lead to crime. Remember Matthew Shepherd? Let's hope this incident does not sink without a trace.

-- Elaine Hopkins