Chicagoans plan to take to the streets this Halloween, even as the city feels the weight of the heightened presence of immigration enforcement. They say the holiday offers a welcomed distraction from a tense political climate.

“I think it can be an escape for a lot of people,” said Kenji Jaleco, a junior studying public relations and advertising at DePaul. “It is nice to have a night of dressing up and having fun and not worrying about everything going on.”

Still, Jaleco said the presence of ICE still looms large. 

“My parents have been warning me to be careful and drive safe so that I am not pulled over. It is definitely scary, but I am still going to go out,” he said.

There are a number of Halloween parties, parades and events happening in Chicago throughout the month, including a number of activities for adults and children.

The second “No Kings” rally, held on Oct. 18 in Chicago and other cities, also saw a number of protesters already in costume. People wore an array of outfits, including inflatable chickens, sharks and the Statue of Liberty, as nods to different popular culture references and to appear less threatening to law enforcement. So it would not be surprising to see Chicagoans dressed similarly for Halloween. 

“Some people may dress up in costumes that poke fun at President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,” said Ron Culp, a professional in residence in DePaul’s public relations and advertising program.

But he’s concerned that some Halloween attire might take it too far.

“The problem I have is that some of these costumes are going to be unsettling for some groups of people,” Culp said. “I worry about people not giving it enough thought and dressing in something like a black shirt with the word ‘ICE’ on it.”

Chicago’s political climate has also caused residents to take some extra precautions this year when celebrating the holiday.

Culp said that he expects Chicagoans, specifically those in Hispanic and Latino communities, will stay in their local area when trick-or-treating and not venture out into unfamiliar neighborhoods.

“I think it is going to have a scary effect on Halloween for those wanting to trick-or-treat,” he said. “I am buying less candy this year because I am anticipating that the crowds will be smaller.”

Culp added that Chicago’s tense political climate will affect not only Halloween, but the entire holiday season. However, he also believes that the political climate will encourage people to see the importance in gathering and celebrating during uncertain times, even if they keep their gatherings smaller and more subdued.

Another DePaul student, Edward Pagan, a first-year student studying criminology, agreed that he will not let politics stop him from enjoying Halloween. He also wondered if more presence from federal agents might make some people feel safer. 

“I think their presence could actually decrease violence this year,” Pagan said. “I don’t think anyone should stop what they are doing because of ICE.”

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