Chicago Immigrants Prepare for Deportation Raids \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Immigrants in Chicago brace for mass deportation raids as President-elect Donald Trump plans aggressive immigration enforcement. Reports indicate operations will focus on those with serious criminal histories but may also include others. Religious and community leaders are rallying to support immigrants, emphasizing legal rights and preparedness.
Chicago Immigrants Prepare for Deportation Raids: Quick Looks
- Fear in Chicago: Immigrants are making contingency plans, including legal preparation and security measures.
- Trump’s Plans: Mass deportation operations to target Chicago early in Trump’s presidency.
- Local Leaders Respond: Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cardinal Blase Cupich condemn the plans.
- Advocacy Efforts: Immigrant rights groups host legal workshops and distribute informational flyers.
- Target Demographics: Operations focus on individuals with criminal histories, but collateral arrests are expected.
Deep Look
Immigrant communities in Chicago are bracing for what they fear will be the largest wave of deportation raids in years as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Reports of federal immigration operations targeting the Chicago area have sparked widespread anxiety, prompting families, religious leaders, and community advocates to mobilize in preparation.
While the Trump administration insists the raids will focus on undocumented individuals with serious criminal records, the possibility of collateral arrests has deepened fears, especially in a city known for its strong sanctuary policies and immigrant legacy.
Fear and Preparation in Chicago’s Immigrant Communities
The Rev. Homero Sanchez, who leads St. Rita of Cascia Parish on Chicago’s South Side, says he has witnessed the anxiety firsthand. His predominantly Mexican-American congregation has been overwhelmed by the fear of losing their homes, families, and livelihoods.
“They feel they have been targeted for who they are,” Sanchez said. “They’re reviving the fear they had eight years ago, and now they feel like this is not their city because of the threat.”
To help his community cope, Sanchez dedicated Sunday Mass to standing in solidarity with immigrants. Many of his parishioners, and others throughout Chicago, are making detailed contingency plans. These include:
- Designating Power of Attorney: Immigrants are granting trusted friends or family members authority over finances and property in case of deportation.
- Childcare Arrangements: Families are preparing for potential separations by arranging guardians for their children.
- Enhanced Home Security: Many have installed door cameras to monitor visitors and ensure they do not open the door without proper warrants.
- Voluntary Departures: Some have left the U.S. preemptively, heeding suggestions from Trump aides to avoid detention.
Carlos, a 56-year-old construction worker from Mexico living in suburban Chicago, said his family has implemented similar measures. Carlos, who lacks legal status but holds work authorization, fears deportation may separate him from his children, who are protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
“We’ve planned for everything,” Carlos explained, detailing how they’ve installed home security systems and assigned someone to manage their assets. “If people come to the house, don’t open the door,” he added, echoing advice widely shared in immigrant advocacy workshops.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Plans
The upcoming operations represent a significant departure from the immigration policies of President Joe Biden. Under Biden, federal enforcement focused on individuals posing national security threats or with egregious criminal histories. Mass workplace raids, a hallmark of Trump’s first administration, were eliminated.
Trump, however, has signaled a return to broader and more aggressive enforcement. According to a federal official, the initial Chicago operation will target over 300 individuals with violent criminal histories. However, collateral arrests—detaining undocumented individuals who are not on the target list but happen to be present during raids—are expected.
On Saturday, Trump told NBC News that mass deportations are “a top priority” for his administration, though he avoided naming specific cities or dates. “It’ll begin very early, very quickly,” Trump said, adding, “You’ll see it firsthand.”
Sanctuary City Policies Under Attack
Chicago’s longstanding status as a sanctuary city has made it a frequent target of Trump’s rhetoric and policies. Sanctuary cities limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, which Trump and his incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, have criticized as enabling undocumented immigration.
Chicago first declared itself a sanctuary city in the 1980s and has repeatedly strengthened its policies, even after Trump’s first administration began targeting such jurisdictions. Just last week, the Chicago City Council overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allow local police to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on deportation cases.
Homan, who has been vocal about his disdain for sanctuary policies, visited Chicago last month to discuss enforcement plans. Although he stated that the timing and scope of the raids were still evolving, Chicago remains a central focus.
Community and Religious Leaders Respond
The reported plans have drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting immigrants. “My commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Cardinal Blase Cupich, head of the Archdiocese of Chicago, also condemned the planned raids. Speaking in Mexico City, Cupich described the reports as “profoundly disturbing” and a betrayal of Chicago’s legacy of welcoming immigrants.
Immigrant rights groups are ramping up efforts to provide resources and guidance. Democratic U.S. Representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Delia Ramirez have joined advocacy organizations in holding legal workshops, distributing flyers, and educating immigrants about their rights. Ramirez, who skipped Monday’s inauguration to focus on outreach, emphasized the importance of knowing how to respond if ICE agents arrive.
“We won’t let our guard down in Chicago,” Garcia wrote on X.
A Legacy of Immigration and Resistance
Chicago’s immigrant population has long been a cornerstone of its identity and economy. From Mexican and Central American communities to immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa, the city’s history is deeply intertwined with migration. Cardinal Cupich highlighted this legacy, stating, “Immigration renews the city we love.”
Yet the looming deportation raids represent a stark challenge to this tradition. Advocacy groups have planned legal clinics, hotline services, and community events to help undocumented residents navigate the uncertainty.
The Broader National Context
Trump’s immigration strategy is reigniting national debates about border security, human rights, and economic impacts. His administration has pledged to expand raids to other cities and tighten immigration policies further, including resuming mass workplace arrests.
These policies contrast sharply with the Biden administration’s approach, which prioritized pathways to citizenship and deferred enforcement for nonviolent undocumented immigrants. Trump’s team has defended their stance, arguing that the measures are necessary to ensure national security and uphold the rule of law.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chicago
As federal enforcement plans take shape, Chicago’s immigrant communities remain on edge. The planned raids, which could begin as early as Tuesday, have mobilized a citywide response from advocacy groups, legal organizations, and faith leaders.
While the immediate focus is on preparation and resistance, the long-term implications of Trump’s policies could reshape Chicago’s social and political landscape. For now, community leaders continue to stress the importance of unity, resilience, and knowing one’s rights.
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