CHICAGO (AP) — Baltazar Enriquez starts most mornings with street patrols, leaving his home in Chicago’s Little Village on foot or by car to find immigration agents that have repeatedly targeted his largely Mexican neighborhood.
Wearing an orange whistle around his neck, the activist broadcasts his plans on social media. “We don’t know if they’re going to come back. All we know is we’ve got to get ready,” he tells thousands of followers. “Give us any tips if you see any suspicious cars.”
As an unprecedented immigration crackdown enters its third month, more Chicago residents are fighting back against what they consider a racist and aggressive overreach of the federal government. The city's response involves both established activists and everyday residents from different communities.
The efforts include community patrols, rapid response teams, school escorts, and local initiatives aimed at supporting food vendors targeted by immigration enforcement—actions reflecting a uniquely Chicago resilience that other cities aspire to emulate.
“The strategy here is to make us afraid. The response from Chicago is an emphatic no,” said neighborhood activist Anna Zolkowski Sobor. “We are all Chicagoans who deserve to be here. Leave us alone.”
The Sound of Resistance
Perhaps the clearest indicator of Chicago’s resistance is the sound of whistles. Enriquez is credited with being among the first to introduce them in Little Village to alert residents of immigration agents' activities. These whistles serve to warn others and attract observers who document the events.
Activists say their methods are non-violent, with Enriquez stating, “We don’t have guns, just our whistles.” Community events dubbed 'Whistlemania' have popped up, distributing the bright orange devices among neighborhoods.
Grassroots Organizing
With a large population, Chicago operates like a collection of tight-knit communities where residents are familiar with each other. When immigration agents targeted food vendors, local advocate Rick Rosales organized bicycle rides to purchase from them, supporting their businesses while minimizing risks. Similarly, initiatives arose offering grocery runs and ridesharing gifts for families hesitating to venture out.
In Enriquez’s neighborhood, the Little Village Community Council experienced growth in its volunteer group that assists children in getting to school safely.
The Challenge Ahead
As part of Operation Midway Blitz, over 3,200 individuals suspected of immigration law violations have been arrested, with some residents and protesters facing charges as well. The Department of Homeland Security defends its efforts, attributing hostility from crowds as a complicating factor in their operations.
Nationwide Influence
Alonso Zaragoza, also involved in community organizing, notes that Chicago's methods are becoming a model for cities across the nation. Interest in 'know-your-rights' training sessions has surged, illustrating the nationwide impact of Chicago's activism.
Despite facing challenges and threats, Enriquez continues his rigorous patrols, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity, though he acknowledges the toll it has taken on him and his family. “This has been very traumatizing,” he admits, reflecting on the ongoing battle against immigration enforcement in their city.
