For weeks, all eyes have been on Minneapolis where the anger at the killing of two US citizens by federal immigration agents has turned the Midwestern city into a sea of unrest.
President Trump has pledged to 'de-escalate' the situation, while Chicago has faced a surge of immersion agents and a crackdown on its streets. Operation Midway Blitz, launched with the aim of targeting 'criminal illegal aliens', has particularly affected Hispanic neighborhoods like Little Village.
Once characterized by its bustling street life, Little Village, known as the 'Mexican Magnificent Mile', has turned into a ghost town according to local business owners. Fear stemming from the increasing presence of ICE has led many community members to stay indoors, impacting businesses severely. Carlos Macias, owner of Carniceria y Taqueria Aguascalientes, reports a staggering 50% drop in revenue, while other businesses report similar declines, sparking concern over the neighborhood's economic stability.
Local leaders, including Alderman Michael Rodriguez, note that sales in some restaurants and vendors have plummeted by as much as 60%. In response to economic struggles, the city of Chicago has launched a program called Shopping in Solidarity to encourage residents to support local businesses affected by the raids.
With the federal immigration authorities planning to hire more agents and expand operations, the community's fear lingers, altering daily routines and impacting who feels safe enough to support local enterprises.
Despite the challenges, residents maintain a strong commitment to each other and their neighborhood, showcasing resilience amidst uncertainty.
