In Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, a once-bustling community now finds itself in retreat, with streets that were once alive with activity eerily quiet.
This shift comes as Donald Trump’s immigration policies continue to tighten, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have intensified, instilling a deep sense of fear among local residents.
Little Village, a predominantly Hispanic area on the city’s South Side, is experiencing the effects of these heightened immigration enforcement efforts.
Community members say they are avoiding public spaces, fearing that they could be swept up in ICE operations. While the primary focus of the raids is on individuals with criminal backgrounds, there are growing concerns about “collateral arrests” — where even undocumented immigrants not specifically targeted may be detained. As a result, even those with legal status are taking precautions.
Steve, a local resident, shared his concerns about his mother, a Mexican immigrant who entered the U.S. without proper documentation.
“She crossed the border to give us a better life, to get an education. Now, she’s scared to leave the house, worried she might get picked up,” Steve told Sky News.
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At a nearby community center that supports migrants, staff have taken steps to bolster security.
The entrance gate is kept closed, and workers now begin their day by checking the streets for the presence of ICE officers. A notice posted on the door offers guidance for migrants on what to do if agents arrive.
For Oliber, a Venezuelan migrant with a valid work permit, the fear is palpable.
“I feel scared,” he said. “I don’t go out like I used to. I used to work late into the night, but now I can’t. I’m afraid that I might be caught, that I might be deported. My family depends on me. I’m scared.”
The heightened anxiety reflects a broader trend. Immigration officials have reported a significant increase in deportations compared to the final year of the Biden administration, underscoring the far-reaching impact of these policies on immigrant communities.
As raids continue, the atmosphere in neighborhoods like Little Village remains one of uncertainty, where every day feels like a precarious balancing act between survival and fear of being caught in the net of immigration enforcement.
