A newly formed tenants union’s request for leniency from eviction was denied by Cook County Judge Debra Ann Seaton at a hearing on Monday.
The case involves residents of the apartment building at 7500 South Shore Drive, the site of a dramatic immigration raid in September. The tenants union requested $7,500 in relocation assistance and 60 additional days to vacate after the current deadline set for this Friday, Block Club Chicago reported.
Seaton denied the motions, siding with plaintiff Wells Fargo in its foreclosure case against property owner Trinity Flood.
Despite Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s support for the tenants’ requests, Seaton insisted residents had already been offered aid and emphasized the building’s dangerous conditions, citing gas leaks, plumbing failures and reliance on portable heaters.
“It would be inhumane for this court not to relocate people as quickly as possible,” the Cook County judge said.
Sam Barth, an attorney representing the union, argued residents wanted to leave but could not secure leases on such short notice, warning that eviction risked homelessness. Seaton responded she was not making anyone homeless and criticized Barth’s language as “triggering.” Seaton ordered tenants to leave the building last month.
Control of the property had already been transferred to receiver Jared Friedman after Flood failed to address hazards. Friedman testified his company posted eviction notices and offered residents $5,000 in relocation payments — $2,500 upfront and $2,500 upon departure. Twelve tenants accepted, though organizers said the offers came with pressure to decide quickly.
Seaton praised Friedman as an “actively engaged receiver,” dismissing union complaints that he avoided meeting with them.
The dramatic U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement raid took place in September, filmed by federal agents. It brought attention to conditions inside the building. A foreclosure lawsuit from Wells Fargo launched prior to the raid.
The incident raised legal questions for landlords and put Neenah, Wisconsin-based Trinity Flood in a spotlight.
About 30 residents remain members of the union in a building with 130 units. The union has decided to support tenants in accepting Friedman’s offer, while supplementing assistance through its own fund.
Yet residents stressed that the money does little to solve the immediate crisis. Malfunctioning elevators, leases unavailable on short timelines and the sheer difficulty of moving in winter compound the challenge.
“Finding placement is the issue,” said tenant leader Darren Hightower.
Fellow resident Raymond Corona lamented that despite following rules, he must relocate within days, hauling belongings through snow.
Organizers framed the plight as emblematic of the city’s housing crisis, with some suggesting crowdfunding as a last resort.
Friedman confirmed plans to lock the building Friday, promising scheduled access to retrieve belongings.
— Joel Russell