Illinois Governor Warns of ICE Raids in Chicago During Mexican Independence Day

The connection between Latinos and the city of Chicago dates back more than a century, when Mexicans began settling in large numbers around 1916. Since then, the city has become an important hub for Latinos, especially Mexicans, who now make up 21.5% of Chicago's population, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.

With roughly one in five residents identifying as Mexican, Chicago has become an easy target for federal authorities enforcing the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration.

On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids could take place during Mexican Independence Day events across the city this month.

As reported by NBC News, Pritzker said that "unidentifiable agents in unmarked vehicles wearing masks are planning to raid Latino communities, claiming they are targeting violent criminals." He also suggested the timing of the raids may be intentional.

"We have reason to believe that Stephen Miller chose September to come to Chicago because of the celebrations around Mexican Independence Day that happen here every year," Pritzker said during a news conference.

"It breaks my heart to report that we have been told ICE will try to disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades," he added. "Let's be clear: The terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here."

In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified immigration raids in various cities and states, particularly targeting areas with large immigrant populations and sanctuary policies.

In late August, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed plans to deploy hundreds of immigration agents to Chicago and other sanctuary cities in the coming weeks.

"Look at the crime rate in Chicago. Operations will ramp up across the country. You're going to see a ramp up in Chicago, absolutely. You're going to see a ramp up in New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, all these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE," Homan said on Aug. 29.

Each year, thousands gather across Chicago to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, often with parades and festivals. Pritzker said those attending are simply celebrating their heritage and should not be interrupted.

In response to the expected deployment of federal immigration agents to Chicago, local immigration advocates have formed a coalition to oppose the increased federal presence.

The Associated Press reported that advocacy groups are preparing quick-response protests to mobilize if immigration enforcement spikes or troops are deployed.

Activists have also been offering know-your-rights training sessions and extending hotline hours for people to report immigration arrests, the AP said.

"We have a stronger, broader movement preparing to mobilize," said Lawrence Benito, head of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. "People still have to go about their lives. We're making sure folks are prepared and ready to respond."

Teresa Fraga, who is organizing an event in Chicago's predominantly Mexican Pilsen neighborhood, said the organizers have hired additional security, lawyers and neighborhood patrols.

"It's a dark cloud hanging over our heads," she said. "But we are planning a safe event."

Schools in the city are also taking precautions in anticipation of a possible surge in immigration raids. Chicago Public Schools recommended that families set up phone trees to rapidly communicate and form walk-to-school groups to ensure safety in numbers.

"We know that the potential of increased federal presence is creating anxiety and fear about safety at school and safety within the broad community," Chicago Public Schools wrote in a letter to parents.