Chicago immigration activists prepare for possible large-scale deportation raids

Concern is growing in the undocumented community that President-elect Donald Trump could carry out its mass deportation plans in Chicago after its inauguration.

Some community leaders and organizations are preparing for the coming days following reports from the Wall Street Journal, citing four people familiar with planning that Trump and his incoming administration will carry out large-scale immigration raids in Chicago on Tuesday. .

“We have been waiting for this, and that is why this is the moment for our communities to know what their rights are,” said Eréndira Rendón, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project.

The Resurrection Project has been working with the immigrant community and reminding the undocumented of their rights while trying to alleviate fears and concerns.

“If you see something, call the hotline. If you see something, go to the website,” Rendón said. “But if you hear rumors, don’t spread them because they can simply create panic.”

NBC News Reports Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials plan to conduct major enforcement operation in Chicago after Trump’s inauguration. A person familiar with the planning told NBC News that the goal will be multiple locations throughout the city.

According to a document reviewed by NBC News, a briefing was scheduled for Friday for agents involved in what is being called “Operation Safeguard.”

Local

opening day

2 hours ago

Who will be at Trump’s inauguration: artists, guests and more

chicago bears

2 hours ago

Bears interview Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for head coaching job

Illinois congressional leaders said they are still waiting for official word.

“Right now there is no official statement or order that raids will be carried out; Do we expect additional agents to be sent here? Of course, maybe starting Tuesday, we don’t know,” said U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, who represents Illinois’ Fourth Congressional District. “It’s going to take time. The important thing is to stay calm like you have. made Chicago made when it was tried in other times too.”

“We have to be proactive and we have to make sure we have coordinated strategies to ensure that people know their rights and, of course, we have to be prepared in case something happens,” said U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois. Third Congressional District.

Trump promised during his campaign to carry out the largest deportation operation in the history of the United States and appointed the former director of ICE Tom Homan to supervise border patrol. Homan, at a fundraiser in December, said Chicago will be ground zero for his deportation plans.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old woman who asked NBC Chicago not to use her name said she is worried about her family and friends who are undocumented Tuesday.

“I will stay home with my children, I will defend everyone else because what they are imposing on us is fear,” he said.

NBC Chicago reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment but had not yet received a response as of Saturday evening.