Recent immigration enforcement activities in Chicago have raised concerns among residents, particularly during the Halloween weekend.
ICE Agents Detain Residents in Chicago’s Irving and Albany Parks
On a typical Halloween weekend, neighborhoods in Chicago’s Irving Park and Albany Park were disrupted by immigration enforcement actions. Residents prepared for trick-or-treaters amidst heightened tensions due to these activities.
Neighborhood Safety Initiatives
On Bernard Street, some homes designated themselves as “safe houses” for trick-or-treaters. Ald. Ruth Cruz of the 30th Ward organized a candy drive, distributing roughly 10,000 goodie bags for the event. Volunteers assisted in creating a fun, safe environment for children despite the ongoing immigration operations.
Immigration Activity Reports
Visible enforcement took place on Friday in Irving Park, where video footage captured a man being detained by federal agents. The incident happened near the intersection of Waveland and Kimball.
In Albany Park, a chaotic scene unfolded at Sawyer and Lawrence, where agents detained two people. Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed federal agents arriving and a crowd forming around the scene.
Community Impact and Reactions
- Olivia Dunn, a local resident, reported witnessing her neighbor’s arrest.
- Dunn recounted the use of pepper bullets by agents in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
- Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez also arrived at the scene and condemned the aggressive approach of the agents.
Democratic Governor JB Pritzker had urged federal agencies to avoid enforcement actions over the Halloween weekend, but Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem dismissed the request, stating that operations would continue as planned.
Closure of Streets for Halloween
In light of these enforcement actions, some streets in Logan Square were closed off on Friday night to facilitate safe trick-or-treating. Despite the fear surrounding immigration activities, community efforts aimed to ensure a joyful Halloween for families.
The increasing visibility of federal enforcement has concerned many parents, prompting community leaders to take action and safeguard the spirit of the holiday.
