Artwork created by LGBTQ+ immigrants in ICE detention will be featured at a Chicago exhibition Saturday, Oct. 24.
The free event, “Stories in Action,” is organized by Chicago-based Migrant Support Collective (MSC) and will take place at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. It will feature artwork from an anticipated 20-25 artists experiencing detention, along with a panel discussion and opportunities to connect with local advocacy organizations.
The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with an art exhibition and open house. A panel discussion and Q&A exploring LGBTQ+ rights, migrant rights and racial justice will take place from 4-5 p.m., followed by a reception with live music and refreshments. Admission is free, with a suggested $50 donation.
The artwork comes from MSC’s Art as Advocacy program, which helps detained migrants express themselves and connect with communities outside detention. Organizers expect to display dozens of works, including drawings and sketchbooks.
“Sometimes what you’re enduring is too much to put into words,” said Beck Sroczynski, MSC’s community engagement coordinator. “For some of our members in solitary, that’s a huge trauma to process. Having the opportunity to express yourself through art, we see this as an opportunity for people in detention to connect with communities on the outside.”
Sroczynski described one participant who had been an artist before entering detention but lost touch with his passion.
“He shared with us that being in this program helped him just rediscover his passion and feel connected to who he is as a human being, even while ICE is trying to just dispose of him,” Sroczynski said.
According to MSC, 71% of Arts as Advocacy participants identify as LGBTQ+, 64% are trans women and all are people of color. The program has also fostered friendships among participants, including between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ migrants.
“There are a couple of people in the program, one of whom is LGBT and one of whom is not, and it was through this program that they really developed their friendship and are really working together to just get each other through detention,” Sroczynski said.
Founded in 2020 as Books for Migrants, MSC initially provided books to LGBTQ+ migrants in detention locally before expanding its work nationwide. Its programs now provide books, art supplies and mental health resources, while connecting detained migrants with outside communities and advocacy organizations.
Sroczynski said some program participants have reported experiencing prolonged solitary confinement. A 2024 report from the National Immigrant Justice Center found that 20 of 41 LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive immigrants surveyed had experienced solitary confinement while in federal immigration custody.
“We’ve heard their cells are moldy; they don’t have adequate food or medications they need,” Sroczynski said. “They’re facing hostile treatment, it takes a huge toll, mentally and physically, to be in solitary confinement for that long.”
MSC hopes “Stories in Action” will help attendees better understand these experiences and find ways to support migrants in detention.
“We hope that everyone leaves this event, not just feeling inspired and connected, but also with their own agenda of what they can do moving forward to be in this work for the long haul,” Sroczynski said.
For more information or to register, visit givebutter.com/stories-in-action.