Helping Illegal Immigrants Dodge ICE Raids [WATCH]

A recent broadcast by ABC7 Chicago has sparked controversy on social media, as the station aired a segment detailing how activists and locals are assisting illegal migrants in avoiding federal immigration enforcement.

The coverage included advice for undocumented immigrants on handling potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

The broadcast, led by anchor Cheryl Burton and reporter Michelle Gallardo, showcased Chicago residents patrolling neighborhoods, distributing informational materials, and advising the local immigrant community of their rights under current laws.

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Gallardo spoke with local business owners and activists who are actively sharing strategies to help illegal migrants during what the station described as an “on-edge” time for Chicago’s immigrant community.

The broadcast detailed efforts by community members and businesses in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, a hub of Mexican culture and community.

Business owners have displayed posters reading “Don’t open for ICE” on their storefronts and provided advice to residents.

Jose Luis Vasquez, a business owner in Little Village, told ABC7 in Spanish, “People need to stick together, no matter their immigration status.”

Activists, including Baltazar Enriquez of the Little Village Community Council, have been canvassing neighborhoods and informing undocumented residents of their legal rights.

Enriquez told ABC7, “We’ve been out here since 5 a.m., educating the community, educating our people that they have rights. You have the right to an attorney. You have a right to a trial.”

Despite the subzero temperatures, activists continue to rally against President Donald Trump’s stated plans for mass deportations.

ABC7 reported decreased foot traffic in affected neighborhoods as residents grapple with fear and uncertainty.

WOW ABC News Chicago literally broadcasting telling illegal migrants to “know their rights” and “should ICE come knocking — don’t open for ICE”

“Breaking News — President Trump now authorizing ICE to target schools and churches in its deportation raids”

“Chicago’s immigrant… pic.twitter.com/XfT8Siw2LD

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The broadcast’s content quickly ignited backlash on social media, with many criticizing the station for what they viewed as aiding illegal migrants.

One user wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Imagine if Chicago had an unbiased media that served the interests of the public, not the interests of the WOKE Democrats who it carries water for.”

Another user asked, “HOW IS THIS ALLOWED?? They are here ILLEGALLY.”

Some called for ABC7 to lose its broadcasting license, while others suggested the actions of the journalists and activists made them complicit in illegal activity.

“Doesn’t this make her an accessory? Or something of that nature? Send her to jail,” one user wrote.

The broadcast follows the Trump administration’s revocation of an Obama-era policy barring immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools and churches.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told ABC7, “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

Chicago’s designation as a “sanctuary city” complicates federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Illinois laws restrict local law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status and limit cooperation with ICE, except in cases involving federal criminal warrants.

Governor JB Pritzker stated that ICE has not communicated with his administration about specific enforcement actions but suggested the initial target in Chicago could be as many as 2,000 individuals with criminal records.

“They’ve not communicated with us, so we don’t know when exactly those enforcement actions might take place,” Pritzker said.

In response to increased ICE activity, Chicago Public Schools and community organizations are ramping up “Know Your Rights” campaigns.

Pilsen’s Perez Elementary School plans to host weekly information sessions to educate students and families on handling ICE interactions.

Erin, a Chicago Public Schools teacher, told ABC7, “We started attending know-your-rights training so that we could know how to defend ourselves and our students if anyone tries to, if ICE tries to communicate with us or potentially detain somebody.”

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has reported a surge in hotline calls from the community.

Executive Director Lawrence Benito stated that calls jumped from 800 in the first 19 days of January to nearly 400 calls on January 20 alone.

As activists continue their efforts, the city remains divided on the issue, with federal enforcement clashing with local policies aimed at shielding undocumented residents from deportation.

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