In spite of rain, snow, and intense winds, hundreds gathered under the Little Village Arch on Saturday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s promises of deportations and more ICE raids in the Chicago area. 

People of various backgrounds waved Mexican flags and gathered in solidarity with Little Village’s predominantly community amidst uncertain times. 

Following his inauguration three weeks ago, President Donald Trump mobilized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with concerted deportation efforts in Chicago.

Since then, the Trump administration has sued the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Governor J.B. Pritzker and others for its status as a ‘sanctuary city.’ 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-López (25th) spoke in support of his immigrant constituents during a press conference before the event. 

“Chicago is a sanctuary city and I’m proud to be one,” Sigcho-López said. “It’s a shame that we live in terror of dehumanization and fascism and that our migrant communities are the first target.”

Among the panelists were Illinois Sen. Celina Villanueva, Rep. Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia, Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd) and Little Village business owners and artists. They voiced concerns surrounding ICE and acknowledged how a community member was taken the previous week during a targeted ICE operation.

Myrka Quintero, a student at Dominican University, has seen her life shift in a big way since the raids began last month. 

“Most of my family are immigrants, my siblings as well,” Quintero said. “ICE agents are in our neighborhood and everyone’s afraid to go out and do day-to-day things.”

Families like Quintero’s have begun to rely on U.S.-born members of the household for simple errands out of fear of deportation. . 

Maggie Brophy, a canine coach, attended the demonstration in solidarity with the families at risk of being separated. 

“I’m a child of immigrants too, but my parents are from Ireland,” Brophy said. “Just because it isn’t happening to people who look like me doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.” 

ICE has arrested about 8000 people nationwide since targeted operations began, with the Trump administration revoking policies that prevented immigration arrests at schools, churches and colleges. 

“These are federal instructions, not laws,” Sigcho-López said. “I think it’s important that a faith-based institution like DePaul that serves a lot of Latine students doesn’t comply with these instructions that are going to intimidate and take away trans and immigrant rights.” 

Last month, DePaul put out a statement reaffirming its commitment to undocumented and immigrant students. 

“We welcome all students and are dedicated to supporting you throughout your time here, regardless of citizenship status,” read an email from DePaul’s Division of Student Affairs. 

Regardless of what may happen on the university and community level, the people of Little Village have made it clear they want to fight.