Chicago residents are taking action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids under the Trump administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” which began on 9 September 2025.
The raids have affected nearly every part of the city. Estimates from the National Center for Immigrant Justice and the Illinois Coalition on Immigrant and Refugee Rights indicate about 1,300 people have been detained illegally, with violations of a court order to stop warrantless arrests continuing.
Communities are fighting back with a mix of training, awareness, and aid. PUÑO volunteer Diego Morales has led MigraWatch trainings since 2016, teaching over 2,000 Chicagoans how to spot ICE activity and understand their legal rights. “We want a critical mass of trained people who can activate whenever ICE is spotted,” Morales said.
Local groups have also hosted “Whistlemania” events, packing whistles, guides, and zines to help neighbors alert the community. Hundreds of volunteers across Chicago have assembled more than 17,000 kits, helping residents protect themselves and their neighbors.
Community support extends to local businesses. Fundraisers for immigrant-owned shops such as Edgewater Tacos and street vendors in Little Village have helped offset lost revenue due to the raids. The Street Vendors Association of Chicago raised over $230,000 to support vendors who fear leaving their stalls during ICE operations.
Organizers emphasize the importance of community presence. Morgan Martinez, owner of Solar Intentions, noted, “When we are present in our bodies, we’re present with each other, which allows us to stand up for our communities.”
Despite exhaustion and the challenges posed by the raids, Chicagoans continue to mobilize through trainings, rapid-response teams, and mutual aid, demonstrating solidarity in the face of federal enforcement actions.
