Donald Trump’s immigration policies have sparked significant changes in parts of Chicago, where fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has caused communities to retreat from public life....Read Full Article >>➤
In Little Village, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood on the city’s south side, the once-bustling streets have grown eerily quiet. Residents are staying indoors, worried about being swept up in the intensified immigration enforcement efforts. While officials claim the primary focus is on apprehending undocumented immigrants with criminal records, concerns over “collateral arrests”—where undocumented individuals not originally targeted are detained—have heightened fears.
Even those with legal status are treading cautiously. Steve, a local resident, shared his worries for his mother, who crossed the border years ago in search of a better life for her family.
“She came here so we could have a chance at education and a better future,” Steve said. “Now she’s scared to even step outside, afraid she might be detained.”
A community center supporting migrants has also ramped up its security measures. Staff now keep the gate at the entrance closed and begin each day by scanning the streets for signs of ICE activity. A notice on the door offers advice to migrants on what to do if agents arrive.
Inside the center, Oliber, a Venezuelan migrant with a valid work permit, described how the atmosphere of fear has upended his daily routine.
“I feel scared all the time,” he said. “I used to go out freely, work late hours, and move around without worry. But now, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. I can’t risk being caught—I have a family depending on me.”
The emotional toll of the crackdown is compounded by the numbers. Immigration officials report a noticeable uptick in daily deportations compared to the final year of Joe Biden’s presidency, underscoring the impact of these enforcement actions.
As fear spreads through vulnerable communities, the once-vibrant streets of neighborhoods like Little Village stand as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration policy changes. ...Read Full Article >>➤
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