>> Hello and thanks for joining us in Chicago tonight, Latino voices.

I'm joined that non this.

Here's what we're looking at.

>> You have every power to keep all the schools open.

>> charter schools are at risk of closing.

Despite Perry pushed back.

Chicago school board members are voting on whether to keep them open.

>> Now they're having you know, family member picked them up from and the parents are coming out.

>> Meanwhile, an arrest outside a local school is latest action sparking fear among undocumented parents.

Governor Pritzker's budget proposal makes a controversial cut to a health care program for some undocumented adults.

In a one-on-one with Chicago Park district.

Me that all sides getting you'll on why she's stepping down.

>> First off tonight, the CPS board is now planning to say 5 out of 7 charter schools slated for closure.

That's after school leaders rejected a plan to save just 4 of the settle schools which serve mainly Latino students.

The move comes after concerns from families in the Chicago teachers union who are pushing to keep the schools open.

Let's listen to a bit of the debate.

>> Because we have to understand that this is a vote between making a financially responsible decision and doesn't have greater effects across the district in saves some of these schools.

We're keeping school open.

The cost of teachers and staff jobs.

millions of dollars.

>> What families need is for this board and CPS to keep their promise to keep these communities hall to keep the schools open and to give the students the education they deserve.

>> Reporter Matt Masterson joins us now with more on that at the scene.

Like a really long board meeting.

We want to start off reported before that the schools are facing closures because of declining enrollment and increasing cost.

What options have school leaders consider to manage these challenges?

So from us the charter networks perspective, there haven't been too much.

They say that these closures are necessary for exactly those reasons.

Declining enrollment increasing facility management and improvement costs that are necessary to keep the schools viable.

>> Cps has pitched a few different items here, trying to keep some of the schools open some of or possibly all the schools open.

They said some of them could be maintained as they are.

Some of them could be absorbed in become Chicago public school district run schools as opposed to charter schools and the pitch varying numbers that would be viable for that for schools, 5 schools or the board back in December approved the resolution which was amended today seeking to save 7 of those schools.

But that was, again paired down to just 5 today.

>> The district was one weather, like, as you mentioned, plan on closing 3 schools instead of to why this change.

going into today.

That plan was to save for the schools and close 3 of them.

That's what the language in the side.

There was a late amendment added by the board as they were voting on this that tried to save one more of the school.

>> And this isn't fully binding.

They can go back and revise this further.

But the plan now is that these 5 schools will be maintained beyond this current school year.

Cps has said that their analysis has shown that they can't legally fund all 7 of these schools.

That's why they decided to pair down from all 7.

They said charter law doesn't allow them to provide the funding that would be necessary to keep all of the schools open and they can't go beyond that limit.

So that's part of what the discussion was today was trying to figure out how far they can go in saving as many of these schools as possible.

As we know, this has been an emotional roller coaster for parents and staff.

There were 2 schools are at risk of closing.

Are there plans to transition those students affected by those closures?

Us assuming the schools are closed at the end of the year as planned, could move into other acero schools.

They could move into CPS schools or they could end up leaving the planning for that has been underway Sarah made this announcement that they plan to close the 7 last year.

Families are going to be affected by this.

They are going to be notified possibly as soon as tomorrow that their schools plan to be close and that CBS is going to provide them with extra guidance, hold informational meetings, trying to understand what options they have available to them going forward.

>> And it's just switching gears a bit.

We also know that the ice detain someone near another settle school.

Can you tell us about that?

Yeah.

So this was yesterday morning.

A father is dropping off 2 students near Soto and I'd our schools.

There are pair acero schools, not the ones that are being closed but 2 separate ones that are Co located Gage Park.

The father was taken into custody by ICE as he dropped off the kids.

The kids themselves are not taken.

They were escorted into their respective schools.

And ice later confirmed to this arrest did take place and that this was a father that he was taken to custody around 8.15, that they said that he has been deported twice previously thinking that report, thanks.

>> And you can read full story on our website.

It's all at Www dot com slash news back right after this.

>> Chicago tonight, Latino voices.

It's made possible in part by the support of these donors.

>> As we mentioned earlier, federal immigration agents are confirming they arrested a man outside a Chicago charter school in Gage Park yesterday.

The rest is the latest action sparking fear in immigrant communities across Chicago.

So Trump administration's mass deportation efforts began.

We spoke with 2 local families about the risks they face when taking their kids to school.

>> good and going not than second a fad.

Yes, they went up.

It's a messy at the West, time >> get bone to protect identities.

We change the names of 2 mothers sharing their experiences and how life has changed.

Since President Trump began his mass deportation operation.

It.

>> Candy sticking with than second a fad.

Yes, they went up.

It's a messy at the West, time >> get and roll with schools no longer being off limits for immigration enforcement.

It leaves on documented parents like Rose and Sandra questioning whether to take the children to school.

>> Was middlemen in Square West Kendall based say what any But look at Brown, the van der I'm what ISIS something.

then to do that on a focused on the >> Some parents and staff that Chicago public schools have reported an increase in student absences due to fears surrounding ice, though a spokesperson for CPS says the district is implementing protocols.

>> To support families in case ICE agents appear at schools, however, for mothers like Sandra who asked for American citizen children, the thought of leaving her 17 year-old son to care for siblings has been difficult to accept the to come >> them are the kind you want to.

this is someone Wilson was of of And this is insect them phone FIFA mouth them to Christmas.

>> With the lack of information and how many people have been detained by ICE.

So Santa, gobble the youth director for immigrants service organization says the current ice crackdown to creating fear and trauma.

It seems like it's a roller coaster because every day we have to wake up something new.

You know something.

What happened today?

What are we again, sir?

What do we need to advocate for Central Command on the north side of Chicago provides legal services.

What has also served as an after-school program for kids.

Some goggles says they have seen a decline in students 19% attendance at the crease because of the coming to a center where, you know into because serving for getting station and ice can >> How are you know, they can be outside waiting for people.

>> So there's a fear mine is only the parents you want.

You can understand what?

Yeah, in that we understand.

And we tried to into K them about the different things, said that you might not happen.

>> you know here, but if anybody, they actually come to the person, but he will wear prepare.

gobble says that fear has created a devastating impacts that go far beyond the decline in after-school participation.

I feel scared in a way that >> he has opened the door for a lot of people to be okay with violence and to be okay with racism before even my neighbor didn't like me or you know who racist article he wouldn't express it much.

>> Right now, I feel that, you know, it's an open door for that.

No human being is illegal.

He's a logo outside the center.

>> message, these 2 mothers also share.

>> look at the center mine my hand them on Wednesday.

It and moved the family pay Co. the one that's on Get those animals that are told that it >> Must unless close to my The U.S. and global come us on us that a on for years advocates have raised questions about the lack of initiatives from the U.S. government.

>> To provide a streamlined path to citizenship for families who have spent decades building their lives in the U.S. now living in fear facing deportation to countries they left behind.

>> But Obama on a camp in want to fine effect.

Kenya offense took us Holsopple.

It was then that will put a cat the airport then went right by it.

Yeah.

Think discussed the by a single.

>> and some older people in Chicago teachers, union members are calling on CPS to do more to keep schools safe for students and their families.

Meanwhile, CPS says it will continue to refrain from collecting information about the immigration status of individual students or their families.

Now a controversial cut to health care coverage for some undocumented individuals was made in Governor JB Pritzker's recent budget proposal.

The cut impacts undocumented adults ages.

42 to 64, however, coverage for those 65 and older will remain intact.

The move has sparked backlash from the General Assembly's Latino caucus as well as immigrant advocates.

Meanwhile, an audit released yesterday shows the program's costs far exceeded initial estimates.

Joining us now with more on Zoom are Representative Travis Weaver, a Republican lawmaker from Peoria and co-chair of the Latino Caucus State Representative Norm, I've on this whose district includes the communities of Melrose Park Franklin Park in North Lake.

Thank you both for joining us.

I want to start with you.

You've been very, very local supporter, a vocal supporter of the measure.

Why do you back these programs?

>> Yeah, I mean, these programs are so important.

Health care taxes, the human right when this program was created, it was to me a crisis right?

Essential workers wrecked or front.

They dying at higher rates and this was a way for us to people the right to access to health care, where it's not gonna put them in deter them from getting care services that they need.

And I believe that cutting that program is taking us away from the conversation of universal health care.

We shouldn't be.

On top of that.

It actually costs more money to treat the people who are secure.

still taking away that and measures no access to care would really harm.

Not only the individuals that are enrolled program into a little over 32,000 people.

It will cause, you know, issues to the safety net hospitals, Cook County Hospital, all of case, the hospitals across the state.

So this is going to really impact people continue to be sick.

We will continue for the Arnold Casa, both the patient and the hospitals.

More money.

>> And Travis, you don't support the measure.

Y?

>> Yeah, that's I've been against this program from the very start.

Don't think it makes a lot of sense to think about Ella noise that are here legally Illinois citizens.

They don't get free health care and it makes a lot of sense that give health care people who are here illegally.

But besides the merits of the program, now that we have defining, I think it needs to be cut immediately at all levels.

I think the governor has known about this for a while and that's why he didn't include in his budget proposal.

But when you see things like 7,000 recipients have a Social Security number, they lied and never been in the program.

Another 700 enrolled were in the seniors program the audit showed that they were actually under 65.

They should never been in the program.

Another 500 double dipped in multiple programs in another 400 have been here for over 5 years.

So they should have been in Medicaid.

I think the governor knew that this was really the Titanic of programs.

He should shut it down as soon as he knew that when that was.

But clearly it was before the state of state budget address.

Yet here we are continuing to spend money on a program that we know is is rife with waste, fraud and abuse.

>> Number, what are your thoughts on what Travis is commenting?

would he say?

>> Yeah, I mean, I disagree with him.

I think that we do have checks and balances, which is why this audit was created.

And this gave governor governor's office in their team a way to.

Developing measures to kind of make this program less costly.

For example, date.

the program might be eliminated.

Parts of that were at the end of determination.

People I've been able to get federal that no dollars for this along with haunting the programs from the applicants to enroll and removing lpr that are legal permanent residents who now qualify for marketplace insurance.

And I think that we also have to be mindful that this was a very program that was developed first in the nation, right leading health care access across the country for all people who have stepped legal said if you're also have to conform Medicaid actions find his program also had its restrictions and was unavailable to just everyone.

So we have to talk about that in that context because there was a measures he can to make this program where affordable were doesn't impact their trs as much right.

There.

It is a reality that this population specifically does contribute to our economy greatly when we will not survive without the population.

And there is another reality that health care is a human rights and we should drive.

>> And of.

Yeah, I don't know that anything I really set is anything that can be disagree with.

I'm just quoting numbers directly from the audit finding.

We found tremendous waste and fraud and abuse within this program.

for example, in 2023.

>> The estimated cost was 220 million dollars.

The actual cost of it was 645 million dollars at the 290% spending over on on the program.

I think we know that there's been a waste fraud and abuse in for a while.

That's why we get that cost overrun.

And furthermore, you think about a program that's cost Illinois.

1.6 billion dollars.

Lot of that on fraud.

But still 1.6 billion dollar price tag.

Meanwhile, just imagine what we could have done for Illinois and in terms of tax cut in property taxes.

Travis, paying down debt.

>> I want to bring up another question.

You know, how do you address the of immigrant advocacy groups?

Estate is Co will leave tens of thousands without essential Medicare.

>> Well, what I would say that is that there's a ella noise that are facing a similar challenge.

And I'm a strong believer that we need to be focusing on Illinois citizens.

I don't believe that people are illegal, but I believe that people do illegal things.

And the reality is you've got to be focusing our attention on Illinois citizens.

And when you see below 1.6 billion dollars.

Look at Illinois.

Families have to budget themselves.

They can spend more than they take.

And here in the state of Illinois, we spend more than we take and that's why there was debt and gimmicks in the governor's budget proposal.

And so I think we've got to tighten the belt.

And part of that means that we need to cut programs.

They are focusing the lands that are full of waste, fraud and abuse.

>> And normally you did mention, as we know that of undocumented individuals do pay taxes.

You know, why do you think people should care about the well-being of non-citizens?

>> Because it impacts us.

What what, if we don't care them work?

We do.

This program was supported by hospital professionals, health care professionals advocacy groups.

And we all know that if you provide someone health care, especially early on preventative care, well, actually save the state money over time.

And it's also humane thing to do.

We have to remember that when this all got started, this was during the pandemic.

When folks of population dying at higher rates, remaining a crisis.

And when you need a crisis, you tend to respond because it is a reality of what when that crisis exists.

And if we don't take care of our neighbors, health does impact on health and it impacts our entire society because we interact with all of the systems and worked together.

It actually find a solution.

This was a way that able to.

Yeah.

Collaborative vision for multiple members and to figure out this issue where people were dying didn't have access to basic treatment and health care and we needed to meet those needs.

We have our full funds that there were there as well.

And we're able to develop a program that met those needs during those times.

And given the amount that because clearly more people were enrolled, that they also signal the red flag that there is a really high need here.

And while we not moving towards direction where universal health care access to be our biggest.

Our biggest fire right now.

Why are we allowing for a me where charges were this country, which is the richest country in the world, cannot provide access to health care everyone.

>> Drivers, we only have a couple seconds.

Any final thoughts?

>> Yeah, I would just say I think it's ridiculous to say that just because they don't agree with his proposal means that I don't care about immigrants, that I don't care about people.

You know, when people are getting raped, been trafficked at the border, we have fentanyl pouring across our borders.

I don't blame the other side is that they're heartless.

I think we have a disagreement of opinion of priorities and I definitely care about people.

I'm a Christian and I believe I'm a Christian values.

So I don't think that's very fair.

I do think that we need to prioritize Illinois citizens.

We need to relieve our tax burden.

We need it lead better place.

And we found is that the next generation can be prosperous here.

>> Well, thank you both.

We have to leave it at that.

Thank you.

Got.

>> Up next, a one-on-one with the Chicago Park District Seal who announced her resignation just yesterday.

>> After a career spanning more than 30 years and 5 mayoral administration that city Hall, Chicago Park district leader at all, is getting is stepping down from public life.

It's going announce her resignation from the Park district yesterday and she's the latest city leader in recent weeks for Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration to resign.

And joining us now is superintendent Tulsa is getting a thank you so much.

It's so funny that are both matching in pink to fly different shades of pink.

Whether we only look fabulous.

So I need to ask, as we know, as I just mentioned, your work spans all the way back to the 90's.

You served more than 3 years now as Park District superintendent.

>> What made you decide that this was a time to step down?

>> Well, you know, first of I am so privileged to be given the opportunity to serve Chicagoans every day in the city that I love.

But it's the right time because when I came because of the district, I said very clear goals for myself.

And I have reached the goals that I set for myself.

There's so much more work to do to improve the city and to improve the district.

But I feel that this is the right time as they hit the goals that I have sat.

We'll talk about those goals, but I first want to ask at an event earlier this month, Mayor Mayor Johnson said he should have clean house faster.

And if you with us, you just got to go.

3 members of the Mayor Johnson's cabinet have since resigned that the mayor's comments face factor.

Anything with your decision to step down?

Not at all.

You know, again, this has been about serving the public.

you know, I've always been very clear about my intentions.

so no, not at all.

This is something that has been a been a conversation for way before that.

And you talked about your accomplishments in your mission.

You know, what would you say have been your top accomplishments?

Well, number one, you know, when I was asked to come to the district I was facing there a big crisis with the district that probably the largest harassment and misconduct matter to face the district.

I came in with a very clear purpose.

And also while I was asked to stay shortly after I started, there is an interim I also facing the reopening of COVID pandemic.

I know this seems like so long ago, really getting all services across 600 parks anymore.

The third-largest looking back at that.

How challenging was that?

I don't even remember because it was such a challenging time.

So we're dealing with this.

You know, crisis is making sure that building and restoring trust.

But building a district that really ensure safety and holds people accountable while at the same time ramping up re opening the park's bringing back 3,000 workers and making sure that the residents have all the services that they need after being closed.

So, you know, those that first year was incredible.

But I you know, I've put safeguards in place.

We have the Office of Prevention and Accountability Holding people accountable and really building this a safety net for our patrons, our residents and our staff, but then also reopening.

We're back to pre-pandemic levels.

And my 3rd goal was really to set the district on a path towards the future.

Just launching a strategic plan.

And now that's fully implement fully implemented will fully started.

And so hopefully the next person can carry that And you also been very outspoken about providing work opportunities for youth.

Why was that so important for you?

Well, again, I don't know if people realize but were 3,000 strong throughout the year and then we're through 3700 opportunities that we just opened up the application for young people to come work at the district throughout the summer.

So when you a summer day camp or when you see you know, out in the parks, helping us to manicure our trees and our gardens.

He said 3700 young people that we hire right now.

We're hiring and that we get them on board every year.

And so that really is one of my proudest moments in in being part of young people's lives.

I was a park.

It and it brings me great pleasure to know that will building careers for these young people their teenage son.

You yourself are I do.

I He's 18 year-old he thinks is an adult now.

But it made these critical years for young people we are the largest agency employee news in the And so we are happy to contribute something I can imagine you're proud Absolutely Nazanin.

I want to talk about the use of public parks for large events and festivals like Riot Fest has been an ongoing debate.

There's been some changes in an effort to make the permitting permitting at process more transparent.

Do you think those changes school far enough?

serving public week have to constantly revisit our right now are in initiatives.

But I think we've come a long way.

We've definitely included more community participation.

And I know that many festivals are contributing to actually our ability to run a district.

Those revenues school right back into service delivery for the people that we serve.

What advice would you give to the next superintendent?

You know, I think what it was interesting, I came in with a mission of and what I'm walking away is such a love for the parks.

They're going to immediately fallen love with this organization.

Our purpose to be incur of community and to really be the safety net and the beauty of the city when the city was recently announced as being the most beautiful city in in the world, what they actually initially flag is all the beauty around that, which is our green space and beautiful programs, you know, looking back at your career and then being appointed to sea walls of the Chicago Park district.

Did you ever think that you are going to be in charge of such a now ration?

Well, it has do with parks in in being a part kid myself.

>> I would have never imagined an immigrant kid coming into this country.

I'm Dina has the neck in the city, I would have never imagined that I would have this opportunity.

That's why it brings me such joy.

I'm so proud of my team working with my board to really make sure that we're doing everything to And before we had a only have a couple seconds.

But I have to ask what's next for you for me?

I a island some time off.

My son and I need to spend time with my family and my son is about to graduate high school in because of the college.

So yes, so we're getting ready for that.

And I do not want to miss one moment of Thank you so much.

Good luck your next chapter.

Thank you so much.

And that's our show for this Thursday night.

Join us tomorrow night at 5.37, for the week in review.

Now from all of us here Chicago tonight, I'm joined at 9 this.

Thank you for watching.

Stay safe and healthy.

>> Good night.

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