In Chicago’s Little Village, a historically vibrant Hispanic neighborhood, the streets are unusually quiet. Once bustling with families, vendors, and lively gatherings, the community now feels like a ghost town. The reason? Fear. Under Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, many undocumented immigrants—and even those with legal status—are staying indoors, afraid that venturing outside could lead to arrest or deportation.
Local residents describe a community paralyzed by anxiety. Steve, a Chicago native, worries constantly about his mother, who came to the U.S. from Mexico without proper documentation years ago.
“She came here to give us a better life, for education and opportunities,” he said. “Now, she’s scared to even step outside, afraid she might get taken away.”
The fear extends beyond those targeted by ICE. While officials claim their focus is on migrant criminals, there is growing concern over so-called “collateral arrests,” where undocumented individuals not initially under investigation get swept up in raids.
At a local community center that assists migrants, security has been tightened. A once-open entrance is now gated shut, and staff members start their day by scanning the streets for ICE agents. A sign on the door advises visitors on what to do if immigration officers arrive.
Oliber, a Venezuelan migrant with a valid work permit, says the atmosphere of fear has altered his daily routine.
“I used to go out freely, work at any time,” he said. “Now, I barely leave home. Even though I’m here legally, the rumors about raids make me anxious. What if I get caught up in it? My family depends on me.”