Parts of Chicago, particularly in the Little Village neighborhood, have become quiet and tense due to the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Once vibrant with activity, streets in this predominantly Hispanic area now appear eerily empty as residents remain indoors in fear of being caught in the ongoing crackdown.
The immigration enforcement operations, which initially focused on targeting criminal migrants, have sparked widespread concern among locals. Many undocumented immigrants worry about being detained, even if they are not the original targets of ICE raids.
This has led to a growing sense of fear, not only among undocumented individuals but also among those with legal status, who are avoiding public spaces to ensure their safety.
Steve, a local resident, shared his concerns about his mother, who immigrated from Mexico years ago without proper documentation. “She crossed the border over here to get a better life for us when we were born, to get education and all. She’s scared to go out there, that she might get picked up,” he said. This fear of being detained has caused many families to adjust their daily routines, with some even avoiding leaving their homes altogether.
At a nearby community center that assists migrants, heightened security measures are now in place. Workers arrive early to check the streets for any sign of immigration officers, and a gate at the entrance remains closed. A notice on the door advises individuals on the steps to take if ICE arrives, offering some guidance in an environment full of uncertainty.
One migrant, Oliber, a Venezuelan man with legal work status, explained how the crackdown has altered his life. “I feel scared,” he said. “I go out feeling frightened. I don’t go out now like I used to. I used to go out every day until night-time, I’d work at any time, but now I can’t go out anywhere.” Oliber, like many others, is haunted by rumors of raids and fears of being deported, which has forced him to limit his movements to protect his family.
The effects of the policy are becoming more visible, as immigration officials report a notable rise in deportations compared to the final year of President Joe Biden’s administration.
