As Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations approach, Chicago’s Hispanic community is living between cultural excitement and strong concern.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to intensify raids in sanctuary cities like Chicago, especially during mass events such as parades and community festivals.
Raids will not stop the parade
According to “Border Czar” Tom Homan, after Labor Day a significant increase in federal operations will begin in cities such as:
Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle, where cooperation with ICE is limited.
In addition, the federal government is considering using Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, as a logistics center for these actions.
In response, the organizers of the September 16 parade in the Pilsen neighborhood have assured that the festivity will go ahead, despite fears.
On the day of the parade, volunteers will be in charge of monitoring the route and alerting if agents are present.
This community mobilization reflects a determination not to let fear silence their traditions.
Raids generate chaos in LA, Illinois resists
This increase in operations is not isolated.
In June, Los Angeles experienced heavy rioting after ICE raids; thousands protested and the National Guard was deployed along with federal marines to disperse protesters.
In contrast, a federal judge recently blocked a lawsuit to defund sanctuary cities in Illinois, protecting the local right to manage their immigration policies.
The festivity will go on, despite the fears
QuéOnnda.com
For you, Hispanic reader in the U.S.:
Stay informed about your community’s itinerary and public events
Participate in neighborhood networks or civil rights groups
Learn about your rights in case of contact with immigration agents.
Ultimately, even as the federal government seeks to deploy forces to enforce immigration, the community has demonstrated resilience.
The key is to protect your culture and your rights with unity, vigilance and solidarity.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
