Chicago neighborhoods Experience Uneven impact of ICE Enforcement
CHICAGO – While some areas of Chicago remain largely untouched, other predominantly Latino neighborhoods are reporting a palpable sense of fear and economic disruption following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, mirroring concerns raised in Los Angeles.Residents and business owners describe a climate of anxiety fueled by reports of ICE arrests – often occurring outside the immediate neighborhood – and a resulting decline in daily life.
The situation highlights a pattern of targeted enforcement that doesn’t uniformly impact all immigrant communities,even within the same city. while ICE has not publicly detailed specific enforcement strategies for Chicago, accounts from Little Village and surrounding areas reveal a community bracing for the worst, altering routines, and experiencing notable economic fallout.
Along East 26th Street in Little Village, known for its vibrant murals depicting Mexican culture, a sense of unease belies the outward appearance of normalcy. Despite the colorful surroundings, residents report widespread fear. Alderman George Rodriguez stated, “people are afraid.” He recounted a teacher’s concerns about elementary school students absent due to parents’ fear of arrest or detention while walking or driving thier children to school.
The anxiety extends to personal safety.Rodriguez shared that his wife, a Latina with degrees from DePaul and northwestern universities, now carries her passport at all times when leaving the house.
Local businesses are also feeling the impact.Juan Garcia, a coiffeur at Peluqueria 5 Star Fades Estrellas on 26th Street, noted a significant downturn in business, stating, “People aren’t coming in. they are afraid.” Victor Sanchez,owner of a taco truck on Kedzie Road,reported a 60% decrease in clientele,primarily construction workers and landscapers,telling a customer,”I don’t know if they have been taken,or if they are too afraid to come out. All I know is they aren’t coming here anymore.”
Rodriguez believes ICE is strategically avoiding direct enforcement within the well-organized and aware little Village neighborhood, instead focusing on arrests in surrounding areas. “I think they’ve cased it and decided to grab people on the outskirts,” he said.The situation underscores the broader impact of ICE enforcement beyond those directly detained, creating a climate of fear that ripples thru entire communities.
