Fear of ICE raids casts shadow over some Chicago neighborhoods
CHICAGO - Rumors of potential ICE raids have left Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood uncharacteristically quiet, even as no raids have been confirmed.
"We have had cold days in years past, and it's never been as quiet and as empty as it is today," said one business leader in the Little Village neighborhood.
What we know:
Alderman Michael Rodriguez (22nd Ward) said it's more than the freezing weather that has cast a chill over the normally vibrant and bustling neighborhood. The fear of enforcement actions has many residents staying home.
"The fear is palpable. The fear is vocalized," said Rodriguez. "People in the streets are saying that they're scared that ICE agents will show up at their doorsteps, at their workplaces, places of worship and going to school. They're scared of that. That is a problem."
Community activists, including Leo Pargo, have been conducting daily patrols in Little Village and nearby Pilsen to monitor for signs of ICE activity.
"Looking for any ICE agents or any potential raids that would be happening. So far nothing," Pargo said.
Local perspective:
Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, noted that the reduced foot traffic is affecting local businesses along the 26th Street Corridor, Chicago’s second busiest commercial area.
"It makes it really difficult to stay afloat," Aguilar said, explaining that customers are only venturing out for necessities. "Especially right now when it's just the beginning. It puts them in a state of worry, like what is it going to look like for the next four years?"
If the fear persists, it could have an economic impact on tax revenues for the entire city.
"It hurts really anyone who lives here in Chicago who receives services from the city," said Aguilar.