Chicago in Crisis? A Closer Look at ICE, Power, and the Fight for Justice

Image : Obama Foundation

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

There is a great deal of pain, confusion, and fear in Chicago right now. Federal immigration agents working under ICE have increased their presence in neighborhoods across the city, and many residents are describing the operations as aggressive and intimidating.

Local leaders—including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker—are standing firm in opposition, demanding accountability and transparency. As Mayor Johnson said, this issue is bigger than politics. It’s about power, human rights, and justice for all.

Over the past several weeks, ICE activity in Chicago has noticeably escalated. Raids and detentions have become more frequent, often occurring in the early morning hours. In response, Mayor Johnson signed an executive order creating “ICE-free zones” across the city.

This order prevents ICE from using city-owned property such as schools, libraries, or parks for enforcement operations. Governor Pritzker has also voiced his support, arguing that local resources should never be used to enforce federal immigration policies that put families and children at risk.

The increase in enforcement has sparked fear in immigrant communities—particularly among Latino and Black residents, as well as families of mixed immigration status. Many people report being afraid to go to work, to school, or even to leave their homes. Community groups and civil rights advocates have described the tactics as heavy-handed and reminiscent of military operations. Reports have surfaced alleging that some agents used helicopters, tactical gear, and unmarked vehicles to detain residents without clear warrants.

ICE officials have denied certain claims—such as accusations that children were zip-tied during raids—but questions remain about the legality of some operations. Civil rights attorneys are calling for independent investigations into whether warrants were issued, whether minors were unlawfully detained, and whether constitutional rights were violated. What is clear, however, is that Chicago’s leadership is determined to resist what they view as an overreach of federal power.

Mayor Johnson has urged residents not to see this as merely an immigration issue but as a broader question about the kind of country we want to live in. He noted that when justice is denied to one group, it threatens justice for all. He also raised an important point about power and race, questioning whether some of these actions reflect a deeper fear of demographic and political change. Across many sectors of government and business, qualified people of color are being removed from leadership roles, raising uncomfortable questions about equality and representation in America.

The larger picture is hard to ignore. Across the world, from the streets of Chicago to the suffering in Gaza, we see a troubling pattern—innocent people being dehumanized and displaced. Whether it’s through bombings abroad or raids at home, too often fear becomes the tool of control. Mayor Johnson’s words remind us that the answer is not found in division or punishment, but in compassion, cooperation, and truth.

The facts show that immigrants are essential to this nation. They fill jobs that many Americans are unwilling to take, contribute to local economies, pay taxes, and enrich our culture.

Yet when families are separated and people are deported unjustly, we all lose something. Our taxes do not decrease, wages do not rise, and food prices remain the same. So what is the real goal of these operations? That is a fair question—one that deserves honest answers.

This moment calls for courage and unity. It calls for all of us to hold our institutions accountable while protecting our neighbors from harm. There is no justice in turning a blind eye to suffering. There is only justice when we demand it for everyone.

Imagine a city where all residents—regardless of origin or status—can live, work, and worship without fear. A city where safety does not come at the cost of dignity. A city that leads the nation in fairness, empathy, and respect for human life. That is the vision we should fight for.

We must stay alert, compassionate, and committed to truth. We must continue to speak up, support one another, and demand the justice that every human being deserves.

In solidarity,

BLXCR