City of Chicago addresses Trump's menace of military deployment
In the heart of Chicago, the spirit of National Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated this weekend, but the atmosphere was tinged with apprehension. The parade route for the Mexican Independence Day celebration in an immigrant neighbourhood seemed initially empty, but as it progressed, more people joined, their faces a mix of excitement and concern.
The source of this unease was a series of posts by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social. He stated, "Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of War," and, "I love the smell of deportations in the morning," referring to increased actions in the city.
Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, a reporter from member station WBEZ, was on the ground, capturing the local reaction to these threats. She spoke to M. Mejia, a DACA recipient who was waving the Mexican flag in the parade. Despite his fear, he was there for his family. Another food vendor, trying to get his immigration status in order, expressed his fear about the current situation.
Claudia Ramirez, a U.S. citizen with roots in Mexico, shared her concerns about increased immigration enforcement, stating it felt like a personal attack. There was a noticeable police presence, elected officials, and citizens with immigrant roots at the parade, adding to the sense of unease.
However, despite these fears, the mood at the parade was still celebratory. Some residents reported more enthusiasm this year than in previous years. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to Trump's post, stating, "the president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city."
As of now, there are no specific public records or reports in recent days indicating which authorities in Chicago have contacted Governor Pritzker regarding immigration policy. However, many Chicago residents are bracing for an escalation of immigration enforcement and the possible deployment of the National Guard.
Adriana Cardona-Maguigad also reported unconfirmed reports of immigration arrests in other parts of the city. M. Mejia and his wife have a plan in case of arrest and deportation. They are not alone in their preparations, as fear of immigration enforcement is a growing concern in Chicago's immigrant communities.
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