ICE strategies around Chicago Home Depot raise concerns among activists
In Chicago, a wave of fear has swept through communities, particularly on the city's Southwest Side and Northwest Side, where local businesses are feeling the brunt of the ongoing immigration crackdown.
Jack Santiago, owner of Georgie's Ice Cream Shop in Little Village, reports a quiet atmosphere due to fear among people in the community. Once a bustling business corridor on 26th Street, 26th Street is now more of a bust, according to a lunchtime visit.
Vendors in Little Village are also suffering. Sales have significantly decreased, with one vendor reporting a two-thirds decline. The restaurant industry, which employs many undocumented immigrants, is experiencing a problem with team members not showing up to work. Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, stated that up to 20% of team members are not showing up.
The immigration operations in Chicago are coordinated primarily by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Five members of the community were detained by ICE as they traveled to work on Tuesday, and widespread ICE presence was experienced on Wednesday.
Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez believes he saw ICE agents in an unmarked vehicle near a hot dog stand. He hopes the operation will end after 30 days. Enriquez encourages people to support small businesses in Little Village that are currently suffering.
Elected leaders and immigrant advocates gathered at a Home Depot on Normandy and Grand Avenue, where a day laborer was taken into custody this week. The parking lot and corner of the Home Depot remained empty on Thursday morning due to day laborers being scared to return following ongoing immigration enforcement.
Immigrant advocates have expressed concerns about tactics ICE is using during their operations in Chicago. Neighbors reported seeing ICE agents chasing a roofer with guns drawn in Naperville. Organizers shared cellphone video showing federal agents flashing lights and recording people inside a vehicle near Kostner and Grand.
The Trump administration has reiterated that they are going after criminals during their operations. However, the owner of the company where the workers were detained claims all of them are documented. Enriquez, along with other advocates, continues to voice concerns about the impact of these operations on the community.
On Thursday morning, volunteers canvassed the city's Northwest Side and passed "Know Your Rights" flyers to help educate and reassure community members. Despite the challenging times, the resilient spirit of Chicago's communities remains strong, with many rallying together to support each other and their local businesses.
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