As deportation fears rise, Chicago’s immigrant groups are organizing emergency plans and training sessions to protect their families.
Chicago: Recently, Dani Salazar was at La Tiendita, a free store in Washington Park. Instead of his usual work, he was leading a Know Your Rights training for immigrants from Venezuela and Nicaragua.
He answered questions about deportation risks and what he called collateral damage, where ICE agents arrest more people than intended.
These workshops are popping up all over the city as a response to Trump’s mass deportation threats. With his inauguration just days away, local groups are scrambling to create emergency plans.
In the community center’s basement, a Venezuelan man asked, “If we get deported, will our kids go with us?” He was there with his partner and their young children, clearly worried.
Salazar emphasized the importance of having a custody plan. He suggested finding a trusted friend or family member to care for their kids if needed and even getting passports for them. The parents listened intently, taking in the information.
During Trump’s first term, his “zero tolerance” policy led to over 5,000 children being separated from their parents. Now, he’s promising to be even tougher on undocumented immigrants.
Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” recently stated that Chicago would be “ground zero” for deportations, which has left many in the immigrant community feeling anxious.
On the same day as Salazar’s workshop, the Mexican consulate held a session called “It’s Better to Be Prepared.” Deputy Consul Gerardo Guerrero spoke about the tough questions families need to consider regarding their children and property.
Guerrero reminded Mexican immigrants of their rights, like remaining silent and asking for an attorney, and that immigration officials can’t enter their homes without a warrant.
Meanwhile, mutual aid volunteers in Lake View are also getting trained on immigrant rights to help those facing deportation. They’re putting together emergency kits with rights information and essentials like food and diapers.
Volunteer Katie Merrel is encouraging migrants to memorize a non-migrant’s phone number in case they can’t access their phones during a raid.
Other advocates are creating phone trees to alert communities about ICE actions and ensure local laws are followed during enforcement.
Chicago officials are also educating city employees about laws that prevent them from working with immigration agents.
In Lake County, Dulce Ortiz, who leads Mano a Mano, is helping immigrants practice their rights through role-playing scenarios. She’s also providing mental health support.
Ortiz understands the trauma many face, saying, “I’m a citizen, but I also have loved ones that are undocumented.” She knows not everyone will be safe but reassures them they won’t be alone.
“We can’t promise 100% protection, but we can promise support. We’ve been through this before, and we’re preparing for what’s to come,” she said.
Adriana Cardona-Maguigad covers immigration for WBEZ. Follow her on X @AdrianaCardMag.
