CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus called for Northwest Side Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) — Mayor Brandon Johnson's City Council floor leader — to step down on Saturday.
It came days after a special City Council meeting over Chicago’s sanctuary city status was derailed after it failed to reach a quorum.
The Black Caucus, which includes 20 of the City Council’s 50 members, accused Ramirez-Rosa of physically restraining West Side Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) from entering the chamber floor during the special meeting.
“The bullying by floor leader Ramirez-Rosa to chairwoman Emma Mitts, City Council’s current longest-serving woman, was unprofessional and unbecoming of his role,” read the Black Caucus’ statement.
Black Caucus members added that Ramirez-Rosa’s “actions of physical and verbal harassment have let down our council and the people of Chicago.”
Neither Ramirez-Rosa nor Mitts returned WBBM’s request for comment.
South Side Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), one of those who called for Thursday’s meeting, has expressed frustration that Chicago continues paying $30 million – $40 million per month to support migrants while other needs in the city go unmet.
Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) said the meeting was recessed until Tuesday, when another battle is expected.
Mitts was described as a “pillar of strength, courage and inspiration to many Black women who aspire to become responsible and effective government leaders” in the Black Caucus’ statement.
The Black Caucus asked for Ramirez-Rosa to issue a public apology and step down from his role as floor leader and chairman of the City’s Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Committee.
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