Local leaders say undocumented immigrants need to understand their rights, cooperate within the bounds of the law and develop child care plans.
CHICAGO—Residents in Little Village, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side, are bracing for the possibility of a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the first days of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Local leaders who are helping all immigrants prepare for anticipated operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in their communities say people are asking themselves and their loved ones what the days ahead hold. He says he is worried about whether it will turn out that way.
President Trump’s promise to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history has had a chilling effect on West 26th Street, the normally bustling business district of Little Village.
Known by locals as “La Villita” or “Mexico of the Midwest,” Little Village is known as an important entry point for Mexican immigrants, some of whom enter the country illegally.
Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, told The Epoch Times that “fear and worry are definitely disrupting normal activities and basically just making people nervous.” “Today, just walking up and down the hallways, it felt like a ghost town.”
Laura Gutierrez Ramos, owner of Nuevo Leon Restaurant, told The Epoch Times. Can’t blame them. ”
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Newly appointed border czar Tom Homan said in an interview with CNN on January 21 that ICE deportations have already begun, prioritizing but not limited to undocumented immigrants with criminal records. .
Homan said the operation targets people who pose a threat to public safety, defined as illegal aliens with criminal convictions. “(ICE officers) know exactly who they’re looking for and have a pretty good idea of where to find them,” Homan said.
Homan said if other illegal immigrants are found with the targeted deportees, they will also be detained. “As we go to find criminal aliens, who are our priority targets, if he is in the United States illegally with other people, we will take enforcement action against them,” he said. ” he said.
“That’s the difference between the last administration and this administration. ICE is going to enforce immigration law. The INA (Immigration and Nationality Act) states that in order to be removed from this country, you must be convicted of a serious crime. There is no stipulation that it must be done.”
Aguilar said local leaders are reaching out to business owners and the public to provide tips on how to deal with ICE agents to combat rumors and calm community fears. .
“The most we can do is let them know to be prepared so they don’t catch us by surprise,” Aguilar said. “Knowing your rights is very important.”
He also urged immigrants not to run from law enforcement, which could lead to detention, and for undocumented immigrants to be proactive about caring for their children in case they are detained. I advised them to make a plan.
Sanctuary city leaders have distributed about 1,000 flyers to residents so far and plan to contact all businesses along the West 26th Street corridor.
Ramos’s father’s restaurant, which has been a fixture in the area for more than 47 years, says it intends to cooperate with ICE authorities investigating its employees and is aware of the limitations of what it is legally required to do. said.
“If they bring me a list of names, I’ll tell them if they’re here or not,” she said. “But if they ask me to check everyone’s I-9, if they’ve been working here for three years, I don’t have to do that,” he said, verifying the employee’s identity and immigration status. She said of the documents used for verification.
Aguilar and Ramos said they believe large-scale deportations would have a devastating economic impact on the country because local businesses need people willing to work.
Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, appears at the Chamber of Commerce office in Chicago on January 21, 2025. Lawrence Wilson/Epoch Times
“Trump is a smart guy. He’s a businessman,” Ramos said. “At the end of the day, I hope he doesn’t do anything that destroys the U.S. economy.”
The report cited U.S. Census Bureau data showing that more than 580,000 Chicago residents, or 21.5 percent of the population, are of Mexican descent, including 44 percent of the city’s cooks. are.
“Here in Little Village, we are known for having the second largest commercial corridor after Michigan Avenue,” Aguilar said.
Laura Gutierrez Ramos appears in the dining room of her Nuevo Leon restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on January 21, 2025. Lawrence Wilson/Epoch Times
Focusing on deporting illegal immigrants could have the unintended benefit of countering the narrative that all immigrants are criminals or take jobs, Aguilar said.
She said she hopes the effort will highlight the contributions of immigrants as farmworkers, meatpackers and service workers, and the negative impact their sudden expulsion would have on the economy.
“The best thing that can come out of this is that we find a solution to address the problem in a way that allows people to legalize their status,” Aguilar said of illegal immigration.
Ramos said he believes the deportation operation will unite the community.
“We are nothing without community,” she said. “We lean on each other and each other. God is good. We persevere.”
