STATEMENT FROM ALDERMAN GILBERT VILLEGAS ICE NOT PRESENT Neighbors, earlier this morning, an anonymous account posted an AI-generated image falsely showing ICE at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home. The 36th Ward office has confirmed with the funeral home, local community partners, and the Chicago Police Department that ICE was NOT present and this image is not accurate. My staff has attempted to message the person who posted this fake image, but unfortunately our social media accounts are blocked from engaging. The 36th Ward annual Trunk or Treat for this afternoon is still scheduled. We hope you will join us at Montclair Funeral Home from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM for family-friendly fun, games, food, music, and candy! Out of an abundance of caution, 36th Ward staff will be present at the event and connected with our local partners to ensure a safe and welcoming space for all our community. Thank you, and we hope to see you there.

💀 IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR!! 👻 Neighbors, JOIN US for one or all of our Halloween events happening in the 36th Ward! ⬇️ 🎃 Trunk or Treat | Montclair Funeral Home | Friday, October 23, 3:00 – 6:00pm 🎃 36th Ward Commercial Park Halloween Party | Saturday, October 24, 1:45 – 3:45pm 🎃 30th&36th Ward Halloween Event Riis Park | Friday, October 30, 6:00 – 8:00pm See you there!! 👁️

The FBI has increased the reward to $1,000,000 for information leading to the arrest of Joseph 'Troubles' Matos, who murdered PFC Chrys Carvajal in 2021. Please, if you or someone you know has any information, say something and help bring justice to the Carvajal family. 🗞️ Full story here: tinyurl.com/3277vx9u 📞 FBI Toll-Free tipline: 1-800-225-5324

The Vet Connect is back! 🌟 JOIN US tomorrow (10/20) for our October Vet Connect. 📍 6560 W Fullerton Ave. Unit # C118 - Suite A, Chicago, IL 60707 ⏰ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Get connected with the benefits you earned, meet other Veterans, and enjoy complimentary food and coffee!

📣 36th Ward Residents! 🗳️ Early voting starts tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in all 50 Wards! Many of you have asked for a Sample Ballot to take into the polls with you. We have had candidate meetings, and based on the input of the residents who showed up and want independent leadership, please see the recommended candidates from the 36th Ward Dems. Thank you, and make sure to have your voice heard! You can early vote starting TOMORROW at ⬇️ 📍 West Belmont Library | 3104 N. Narragansett Ave. 📍 Goldblatts Building | 1615 W. Chicago Ave. Find a polling location closer to you at: chicagoelections.gov/

Thank you, American Legion, for covering the inaugural Latino Veterans & First Responders 5K event. As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the history and service of the Latino community in the Military and as first responders is something I am happy to do in partnership with the community. 📰 Read the full article here: tinyurl.com/2fj6bpba

In 2021, I was proud to pass the City’s first-ever ordinance establishing a framework for proper, licensed towing in the City of Chicago to crack down on rogue tow trucks. In 2025, we saw a need to follow up on that legislation to further disrupt these companies preying on everyday Chicagoans, and we passed the Rogue Towing 2.0 Ordinance. Since then, data shows: ➡️ a 35% decrease in complaints about rogue towing ➡️ a 92% decrease in rogue towing, leading to enforcement Source: BACP, CPD At the height of this issue, we heard countless stories of rogue towers taking advantage of Chicagoans who were in a moment of desperation and vulnerability. Oftentimes, these rogue enterprises preyed on folks who did not speak English - hitting our Polish, Ukrainian, Asian, and Latino communities particularly hard. This update is encouraging, and I reiterate the commitment, whether we need a Rogue Towing 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, or more, to ensuring that the city continues to crack down on these illegitimate businesses. As a reminder, you can report complaints of rogue towing to 311. Never accept a tow from a company that is not one you know, trust, or is not connected to your insurance policy. See more information and resources at: tinyurl.com/4bndz73u

I am honored to be considered for the Small Business Champion Award from the Small Business Advocacy Council. Small businesses are the backbone of our city; they employ most workers in Chicago and significantly drive Chicago's economic development and output. These are our local auto shops, taquerias, barbershops, produce markets, and more. Investing in small businesses is investing in the community. Thank you, Small Business Advocacy Council, for this nomination. The work continues!

🇩🇪 Happy German-American Day! 🇺🇸 Today, we recognize the rich heritage and contributions of German Americans who have helped shape Chicago and our country. From generations of families and community traditions to businesses, culture, and civic life, the German American legacy remains an important part of who we are. Happy German-American Day to all who celebrate! 🇩🇪🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Thank you to everyone who came out for the inaugural Latino Veterans and First Responders 5K! We’ll see you next year! 😎 🏃🏽‍♀️

A day of community, a day of culture, and a day of pride! 🇺🇸 Thank you to everyone who came out for the inaugural Latino Veterans and First Responders 5K! It was an absolute joy to be together, honoring those who have served our country. This event would not have been possible without the support and partnership of our local community organizations, who are dedicated to giving back and committed to Veterans. 🌟

In the fall of 2013, Marnie Ware recieved permission from CPS to start the Prosser School Community Garden. In the spring of 2014, Marnie and hundreds of volunteers broke ground to build their first 12 beds, and the founding gardeners began to grow food for their families. Fast forward and here we are with this tremendous asset in the middle of the city, teaching our children about our food and the environment. @Prosser_CA

It is a deep honor to share the mile markers for our inaugural Latino Veterans & First Responders 5K this Sunday! Each mile honors those who have served our country and our community, and whom we hold close to our hearts. 📍 Mile 1: PFC. Chrys Carvajal 📍 Mile 2: SGT. Thomas Lozada 📍 Mile 3: Deputy Chief William Betancourt We hope to see you there! Registration is still open ⬇️ 🗓️ Sunday, October 4th ⏰ Doors Open 7:00 AM 🏃🏽‍♀️ Run Starts at 8:00 AM 📍 Hanson Stadium | 2233 N Central Ave 📲 Register with the QR Codes or at tinyurl.com/y9y6ep5x

🇮🇹 Happy Italian American Heritage Month! This October, we honor the Italian American community and families that have been a part of the fabric of our neighborhoods for generations. Strong local businesses, impactful cultural contributions, and a deep-rooted history that have helped make Chicago the great city it is today. This month, we celebrate that legacy and the generations who continue to carry it forward! 🇮🇹 🇺🇸

🇵🇱 Happy Polish American Heritage Month! This month, we celebrate the rich history, culture, traditions, and contributions of Chicago’s Polish American community. Polish Americans have shaped and continue to shape our city through generations of hard work, entrepreneurship, faith, family, and community. The 36th Ward is proud to be home to many Polish families, businesses, and community organizations. Sto lat! 🇵🇱🇺🇸

Yesterday, the City Council voted 46-3 on the adjusted parking meter deal. The original 2008 deal to sell our meters, prior to my tenure and many of my colleagues', was one of the worst deals ever made. Given this opportunity, with a new seller interested, it was crucial to use our leverage to get a better deal for the City of Chicago; this included: ✅ $75 million up front for our pensions ✅ 5% profit share from the annual net income ($367 million over 57 years) ✅ 2% of the sale price if sold again in the future ❌ Vendor cut business ties with DHS ❌ Firm will not sell driver data to third parties The City of Chicago should utilize every tool at its disposal to chip away and reclaim the parking meters for our city. This is not the end, but it is a step in the right direction. I am grateful to my colleagues who fought for these provisions and rightfully acknowledged this moment to obtain something positive from one of the worst deals made by a previous administration.

Earlier this week, the City Council passed an expansion of the Veteran Enterprise Business (VBE) program. This legislation expands the city departments that Veteran-owned businesses and contractors can do business with. I am proud this passed and grateful to my colleagues for their continued support of Veterans and our community. You can learn more about the VBE program and apply for your certification at: tinyurl.com/2dkh7jav

🗣️ CHICAGO: Let’s talk! Chicago needs more housing, and we need to build it now. When housing supply doesn’t keep up with demand, families feel it in their rent and home prices. Building more housing across our city can help create more options and put downward pressure on housing costs. We can and should support affordable housing, responsible development, and strong neighborhoods at the same time. It is time for bold, progressive decisions that make sense and are pragmatic! 🏡 ↗️

FAIR Ordinance ❌ No unfunded mandates (leading to rent raises) ✅ Protects Renters ✅ Holds Bad Landlords Accountable ✅ Encourages Building More ✅ Increase Housing Supply, Increase Affordability 📺 Watch the full WTTW discussion here: tinyurl.com/33akbs92