The Ripple Effect of ICE Raids

Each day, hour, second, a new story is happening on the spot. These stories need to be said and heard. Professional journalists report these stories on a number of news channels all over Chicago. For this first AP of Journalism, I had to write about a story going on in my neighborhood. I find it inspiring to be able to write about a story in depth for big papers. My Journalism class has made me excited to read more about the news going on not only in my neighborhood and in Chicago, but around the United States and beyond.

On September 23rd, 2019, the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained five employees of the East Side neighborhood’s pizzeria named Route 66. The restaurant sits on the corner of 10180 S. Indianapolis. People from neighborhoods such as Little Village and South Chicago travel to Route 66 for its hand tossed pizza, Italian beef, and grilled burgers. It is a staple dinner spot in the East Side neighborhood. A member of Centro de Trabajadores Unidos: United Worker’s Center was ordering food when ICE came in and requested the employees for citizenship papers.

Route 66 from Google Street View

Chicago is known for being a “sanctuary city”, meaning it is a city whose municipal laws tend to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation or prosecution, despite federal immigration law. The sudden appearance of ICE surprised everyone because they haven’t been seen in the city lately. Mayor Lightfoot supports immigrants living in Chicago by actively sharing what resident’s rights are on social media.

“I can’t control what ICE does. The federal government, unfortunately, is out of control right now because of the person we have in the White House. So, I cannot control what the federal government does. We have no control over ICE. Neither does the Chicago Police Department, or the mayor. She’s (Mayor Lightfoot) doing everything she can to make this a true sanctuary city. Unfortunately, they (ICE) don’t notify us when they’re coming.”

According to New Americans in Chicago, in 2016, 20.7% (557,904) of Chicago’s population of 2,789,520 were people who came here to live permanently and were born in a foreign country. Also, 39,130 immigrant entrepreneurs generated $659.2M in business income for the city of Chicago.

Elida Benavides, a five year-resident of the East Side neighborhood said, “This event makes me angry because I don’t think it’s fair. I mean, unless these people have committed a serious crime, then I think they should go after them. These people have been here for so long, they haven’t been instructed on how to safely stay here.”

Benavides’ feelings are echoed by Alderman Garza. “It’s already impacted the 10th Ward. We’re already seeing a ripple effect. Businesses are worried that they are going to be the next one. People have actually closed their shops and sent their workers home. They were afraid. People are afraid. We’re already dealing with a ripple effect.”

As a result, fewer East Side residents are outside. Kids aren’t playing outside as much as they used to. The residents are starting to become isolated and not trust strangers. The community is starting to fall apart.

When asked if she had spoken with ICE, Alderman Garza said, “I haven’t talked with ICE directly, but we’re working with the National Immigrant Injustice Committee. The mayor was quick to respond. She called me as soon as she heard about it. We hooked up the families with lawyers. We’re working with Centro de Trabajadores Unidos. We’re making sure everyone is covered and everybody has representation. “