Illinois officials have confirmed that a large group of federal agents returned to Chicago and have resumed “terrorizing our community,” Illinois Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said Tuesday.

The windowless newsroom of The Phoenix, the Loyola University Chicago newspaper, hums like an old refrigerator. A coffee pot burbles in the corner as juniors Julia Pentasuglio and Ella Daugherty lean over a glowing laptop,

In early 2025, the Trump administration revoked the protections schools had from immigration enforcement. Chicagoans like Natalia have witnessed that change in real time on the news: A pre-K teacher dragged out of a day care center; two women detained right outside a school; a man taken into custody while dropping his children off.

Communities of color in Chicago, and nationally, are typically exposed to more air pollution, hazardous waste and PFAS, a class of man-made chemicals associated with adverse health effects. Latino communities in the city also have smaller and fewer parks nearby.

The reported changes come a few days after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 54— nicknamed “ICE Barbie ” for her camera-ready immigration crackdowns— endured a rough ride at a hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee.

The Circuit Court of Cook County granted an order on Nov. 24 from Wells Fargo Bank to have residents at 7500 S. Shore Drive to vacate by Dec. 12.

Across the country, ICE officers accustomed to operating below the radar have been thrust into the spotlight by Trump's aggressive deportation orders.

Operation Midway Bliss, a grassroots relief effort started by two neighbors, is gearing up to deliver groceries, essential items and toys to more than 100 families still reeling from recent ICE raids.

Federal immigration enforcement has begun to fracture a long-standing safety network in Latino neighborhoods, forcing schools, families, and community workers to adapt amid fear and uncertainty.

The restaurants were completely packed,” he says. “People said they’d come from Lincoln Park, and it took 45 minutes in the rain.” Zaragoza added it felt like “we had allies supporting us.” In early September,

Nativity scenes at some churches are sparking fierce debates. At Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, the baby Jesus lies with zip-tied wrists in the kind of emergency blankets given ICE detainees.

Many immigrant families are in lockdown or not working due to ICE enforcement, causing economic pressure that mirrors the pandemic.