Preparations underway in Chicago as National Guard deployment remains a potential possibility
In the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, preparations for the Mexican Independence Day Parade are underway, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the celebrations due to potential immigration enforcement actions.
Vicky Lugo, an organizer of the parade, has expressed concerns about the possible involvement of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the festivities. These fears are not unfounded, as Governor JB Pritzker believes that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller may have chosen September for a ramp-up on immigration enforcement in Chicago due to the Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
In an effort to protect the rights of residents, the Chicago Police Department will not be involved in joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties alongside federal law enforcement, military personnel, or National Guard units engaging in civil immigration enforcement. City departments are also directed to pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government that violate the rights of those who live in the city.
The Chicago Teachers Union is taking proactive measures, distributing flyers reminding families of their legal rights in preparation for potential law enforcement action. The flyer lists rights such as the right to remain silent, the right to not give consent to be searched, and the right to not share birthplace or citizenship status. Sylvelia Pittman, a teacher at Nash Elementary School, stated that the Chicago Teachers Union will stand in the gap to ensure students and their families know their rights.
Local businesses in the Pilsen neighborhood are being advised on what to do if ICE comes. Volunteers and marshals will be monitoring the parades to protect attendees. Mayor Brandon Johnson has asked residents to be prepared to record any Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity they see, which could help document if they are "doing something wrong or to keep them honest."
The City of Chicago and its Mayor Brandon Johnson have refused cooperation with the deployment of the National Guard by the federal government and have signed an executive order banning any collaboration of local authorities with federal forces. This stance is not new, as Illinois has proven its willingness to combat federal actions in court and has already joined a multi-state lawsuit against the administration's effort to cut off federal relief for people who cannot prove they have legal status to be in the United States.
However, the situation remains fluid. Governor Pritzker expects the National Guard to be in place by Friday and ready to take action on Saturday, but no official plans have been communicated by the Trump administration. Vice President JD Vance stated there are "no immediate plans" to send soldiers to Chicago, but the Trump administration has appealed a federal court decision that ruled its deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles broke federal law prohibiting military involvement in law enforcement on US soil in most cases.
As the Mexican Independence Day Parade approaches, the community in Pilsen stands united, ready to celebrate their heritage and protect their rights. The event is not just a celebration, but a testament to the resilience and determination of the community in the face of adversity.
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