Story perspectives

Chicago Immigration Raids Spark Outrage, Hit Local Businesses Hard

12/20/2025

Center

Bovino Intensifies Enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Chief Greg Bovino leads intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago, centered in Little Village, with at least 15 arrests including a tamale vendor.
The operations reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the timing, noting the actions occurred just before the holidays.
Local businesses report a 40–70% drop in customers since the operations began.

Left

Activists Disrupt ICE

Protests calling "No Sleep for ICE" target hotels where agents stay, intensifying nationwide to disrupt operations and show solidarity with immigrant families.
Organizers verify hotel information before demonstrations, which use chanting and noise to prevent ICE agents from resting.
Recent protests occurred in Minnesota, where activists confronted ICE agents during a standoff.
Despite disruption to hotel guests, demonstrators say the actions are needed to challenge federal immigration enforcement.

1 of 2

Bovino Intensifies Enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Chief Greg Bovino leads intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago, centered in Little Village, with at least 15 arrests including a tamale vendor.
The operations reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the timing, noting the actions occurred just before the holidays.
Local businesses report a 40–70% drop in customers since the operations began.

1 / 2