Chicago ICE Raid Yields No Terrorism Links,Leaves Residents Stranded
CHICAGO – A large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in chicago,initially presented as a counter-terrorism operation targeting the venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua,” has resulted in no terrorism-related charges,according to reporting by propublica.The raid,conducted on a dilapidated building in the city,has left residents fearful and many deported to Venezuela with diminished resources.
The building, where a murder occurred over the summer involving two Venezuelan nationals, was known to residents as unsafe. Many reported a sense of danger and noted some men openly carried guns. However, police records examined by propublica revealed no connection between the building’s residents and Tren de aragua. A review of 911 calls to the location showed a high volume, typical for that area of the neighborhood, but not exceeding rates in surrounding areas.
“The building was all that they could afford,” ProPublica’s Melissa sanchez reported, detailing interviews with residents. “None of the people we spoke to had gotten hurt at that building.And there were people maybe that they were suspicious of,but they kind of all kept to themselves. And nobody reported any problems with any of their neighbors at that building to us.”
Those detained in the raid remain in custody,expressing desperation to return to Venezuela,tho many lack the necessary passports. Those already deported have described returning to a country facing economic collapse and authoritarian rule, having lost the possessions and financial stability they had established in the U.S.
“I think every single one of them has told me that they have returned with less than they had left that country with years ago,” Sanchez stated. “A lot of them fled Venezuela years ago because the country has a collapsed economy…and it’s really arduous to get a job and support your family there. And, here in the U.S., they had jobs. They had bought used cars…and all of that is gone.”
The raid underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement tactics and the potential consequences for vulnerable populations seeking refuge in the United states. ICE has not publicly addressed the lack of terrorism-related charges stemming from the operation.
