Posted on 09/09/2025 3:57:55 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
CHICAGO (AP) — The streets in some of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods are quiet these days. Public schoolteachers want online learning for families scared to venture out. And houses of worship are urging people to carry identification everywhere they go.
As the nation’s third-largest city awaits a much-hyped federal intervention, residents are making changes in their daily routines. President Donald Trump has promised Chicago will see a surge in deportations and National Guard troops as he targets Democratic strongholds. While the feeling of being vulnerable isn’t new, especially among immigrants, many say this time the fear is deeper and the preparations more drastic.
Even Sam Sanchez, a Chicago restaurant owner who voted for Trump, criticized the Republican’s plans for the city. As a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, he is also taking precautions.
“They’re profiling,” he said of federal agents. “My wife and I went to a wedding and I told my wife, ‘Bring your citizenship papers.’”
There is a noticeable drop in street food vendors in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, and businesses report less foot traffic. The largely Mexican enclave features a two-mile stretch of businesses and restaurants that is often noted as one of Chicago’s highest-grossing shopping districts after Michigan Avenue.
Laura Padilla, who has sold clothes in the area for more than 20 years, said that since Trump’s second term, the streets are “dead.”
Immigration attorneys say their clients are afraid to attend appointments, including at court. Churches with large immigrant populations are starting to notice an attendance dip.
Fabio Fernandez, owner of 3W-We Will Win, an art and T-shirt company in the predominantly Latino Pilsen neighborhood, said a mood of anxiety and uncertainty permeates. He has seen fewer customers.
“We shouldn’t fear or feel like we can’t walk the same streets that we usually roam,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
Crackdown on illegal aliens — “Chicagoans” most effected.
That is the good stuff. What about the bad? Is crime up or down?
Passport cards are nice. Much less bulky.
If you are a legit US citizen, you have nothing to worry about.
“Chicagoans” have nothing to fear if they are in the country LEGALLY.
Correct.
Exactly.
Not only is this ‘article’ complete and utter propaganda, it reeks of being completely fabricated.
Dear illegals:
Self Deport......
I recognize and endorse rounding up and deporting illegals as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, if I were challenged on a street corner to prove I was a legal citizen it could be difficult.
For criminal illegal aliens - the ones who come here illegally *and* commit violent crimes - the fear should be palpable.
You have to get out of the house for a bit when they fumigate it.
I’m from the Boston area.....around 2023 i spent a few weeks in the Chicago suburb of Naperville for job training.
I was pretty shocked at the amount of both mexicans and mexican restaurants i saw everywhere.
I remember asking a local “Why Chicago of all places?”
Guy told me that they fly to canada then sneak over the northern border.
Really, who doesn’t routinely carry ID when out and around town? Drivers license, State ID, SS card, whatever?
The Supreme Court just gave ICE the green light to do their job, anywhere, any time. If you are here illegally you should not feel safe or feel comfortable. You should decide to self deport before you are caught.
2003..not 2023
I love ICE and would cooperate in every way . This is a crisis.
If you weren't a criminal you wouldn't have to live in fear. Go start the process, it's not the end of the world.
Chicago has long been the largest hispanic community in the country. Yes, more than LA, at least till recent years if not still. So it is a natural place for hispanic illegals to congregate. If LA is 10% illegals, as the gov maintains, Chicago probably is too.
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