As immigration operations multiply in Chicago, tensions rise in neighborhoods and universities. Students fear arbitrary checkpoints and walk around with their IDs for fear of arrest.

Over the past month, more than 1,000 people have been arrested in the Chicago area as part of a massive federal operation that Washington says targets networks linked to illegal immigration. But on the ground, American citizens, children, and legal residents of the city, which was recently voted the "best big city" in the United States by Condé Nast, are among those arrested.

Department of Homeland Security agents deployed resources worthy of a military operation: Black Hawk helicopters, tear gas, unmarked vehicles, and nighttime raids. A video released by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem shows masked, armed agents forcing doors with battering rams, accompanied by music worthy of a Hollywood movie. On CNN, Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denounced the situation and claimed that authorities were "turning the city into a war zone." The local response was organized: complaints, instructions to students, reminders of "protected zones," and increased vigilance as major events approached.

Know your rights

In detail, several practices are fueling the protests. In the south of the city, an operation mobilized unmarked trucks and a helicopter, from which agents reportedly rappelled before beginning door-to-door checks, with children and American citizens among those tied up with zip ties. Elsewhere, the use of tear gas or smoke bombs near a school led a school to go into lockdown and keep students inside, while Chicago elected official Jessie Fuentes says she was handcuffed at the hospital after asking to see a warrant.

In the middle of midterm exam week, fear has taken over campuses. In the Chicago suburbs, Astrid*, a French citizen who has been a naturalized American and has lived in the area for over twenty years, is observing the rising tension. "On Friday, my son's university reminded students that if they were worried about immigration, they could stay home and the professors would make arrangements."

At the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the city's largest university with 33,000 students (8% of whom are international), administration has reactivated its "Know Your Rights" page. It urges staff and students to notify campus police if federal agents are present and to refuse any contact without a warrant. "It's important that you know your rights, regardless of your immigration status," the page states.

“Taken for illegal immigrants because of the color of their skin”

“My son’s friends, many of whom come from Hispanic families but were born here, walk around with a photo of their American passport,” Astrid continues. “They’re afraid of being mistaken for undocumented immigrants just because of the color of their skin.”

She herself knows naturalized American families who ask their children to keep their passports with them, "for safety." "It's unfair that they have to justify their existence. Young people already have enough stress with their studies, they don't need this," Astrid complains.

Sanctuary City

"We know why Chicago was chosen; it's a sanctuary city," Astrid said. "We'll see how the next few days go." A "sanctuary city" means that local police do not collaborate with federal immigration officials on the sole issue of immigration status. However, this does not prevent the feds from intervening. The city's mayor had to remind people on Monday that certain places, such as schools, hospitals, and churches, are considered protected areas, in which federal agents are not supposed to intervene. "People just want to live in peace," Astrid sighed.

With the Chicago Marathon scheduled for this weekend just days away, people are fearing further incidents. And with No Kings Day, a day of protests on October 18th, approaching, many are hesitant to go out. "People are supporting each other, but everyone is afraid of what might happen," the Frenchwoman confided. "I know many people who would like to participate, but are thinking twice for fear of reprisals."

A national political crisis

In this context, 200 soldiers from the Texas National Guard are to deploy around Chicago as of Wednesday, while about 300 soldiers from Illinois are on standby, according to a US military official.

Officially, the troops will not have police powers: they are to support the operations of federal immigration agents (security and logistics). Local officials denounce an "unconstitutional invasion" ordered by Donald Trump. A federal hearing is scheduled for Thursday.