Traffic has decreased significantly in Chicago's predominantly Latino community of Little Village, also known as “Mexico Midwest“, reports Fox 32 Chicago, with deportation fears growing since Pres Donald Trump He took office on Monday.
“They saw a lot less traffic, a lot less customers than they normally see,” Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, said of the area to Fox 32. “The number of people out this weekend was much lower than usual.”
Little Village is Chicago's second-busiest retail corridor, stretching two miles long and lined with nearly 500 businesses, including shops, restaurants and nightlife venues in the southwest part of the city.
Establishments in Chicago's Little Village area are starting to see a decline in business after Trump pledged to crack down on illegal immigration. (Fox 32 Chicago)
According to Michael Rodriguez, alderman for the 22nd Ward, which includes Little Village, the once bustling community is no longer empty just because of the cold weather. Rodriquez told the local station that people are afraid of the United States Immigration and customs Implementation (ICE) conducts large-scale raids in the Mexican American neighborhood.
“There's definitely a lot of fear, and we think it has to do with some less activity in their neighborhood,” Rodriguez said. “The fear is palpable. The fear is being expressed by our residents. People on the streets are saying they're afraid of ICE agents showing up on their doorsteps, or at their places of work, or at their places of worship or where they go to school. They're afraid of that.”
Chicago Mayor reiterates his opposition to Trump's immigration reforms
While ICE raids are possible under Trump's new crackdown on illegal immigration, there have been no signs of deportations yet, according to Leo Bargo, a community activist who has been patrolling neighborhoods for signs of ICE activity.
“We were out patrolling,” Bargo told Fox 32. “We were driving around Little Village, through Pilsen, looking for any ICE agents or any possible raids that might happen. So far, nothing.”
A sign reading “Do Not Open for ICE” is displayed in the window of a store in Little Village, Chicago, on the day Trump took office on Monday. (Erin Holly)
According to the report, with workers and shoppers staying home, Aguilar said the looming concerns will economically impact the region that is said to generate $900 million in annual revenue.
“It makes it really hard to stay afloat,” Aguilar said. “Especially right now when it's just the beginning. It puts them on edge, like what is this going to look like over the next four years?”
“It's really hurtful for anyone who lives here In chicago “Who receives services from the city,” Aguilar continued.
Trump administration plans to arrest illegal immigrants across the US on 'day one'
A street vendor sees no customers as consumers stop shopping in Chicago's Little Village. (Fox 32 Chicago)
As a sanctuary city for immigrants Chicago is confronting Trump head-on after the president pledged to address it Illegal immigration During his opening speech on Monday: “All illegal entry will be stopped immediately, and we will begin the process of returning millions upon millions of criminal aliens to the places from which they came.”
Tom Homan, a Trump-appointed border official, said Tuesday that ICE agents have already been deployed across the country to conduct operations.
Chicago's Little Village is a predominantly Latino community filled with Mexican-American establishments. (Eric Cox/Dan Fastenberg/Alexandra Sarabia/Core News)
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Despite the crackdown, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed to oppose the president's plans and asserted that local law enforcement in the city would not partner with federal immigration enforcement under the 2017 Illinois Trust Act.
“Chicago stands strong: No matter the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains steadfast,” Johnson wrote in a social media post on Sunday. “We will continue to fight for justice and safety for all who call this place home.”
