“No One Felt Safe”: Overnight ICE Raid Leaves Chicago Community Demanding Justice

A sweeping immigration operation in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood has left locals in shock, as reported by ABC 7. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the overnight raid on September 30 targeted suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang, linked to narcotics, gun crimes, and immigration infractions. A total of 37 arrests occurred during the coordinated effort involving ICE, CBP, FBI, and ATF agents. Residents described chaos and devastation erupting at midnight. Dr. Alii Muhammad recounted, “My building is shaking,” upon spotting a Blackhawk helicopter through his window. Pertissue Fisher, detained in her nightgown, expressed feeling dehumanized, stating, “They just treated us like we were nothing.” Eyewitness accounts included reports of children being zip-tied and flashbang grenades being deployed. Community leaders criticized the raid, claiming it jeopardizes neighborhood stability, while protests against heightened federal enforcement emerged in downtown Chicago. As tensions rise, discussions of a potential National Guard deployment escalate.