As immigration raids continue, Chicagoans are sticking together and blowing the whistle (literally) on federal agents. Here are some ways to help your neighbors.
Who To Call IF You Spot ICE
If you think you see immigration enforcement activity, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ 24-hour hotline: 1-855-435-7693.
From there, ICRR will verify reports and send out warnings in English and Spanish.
Get Loud
Chicagoans’ whistle game is making national headlines. Keeping a whistle on you can come in handy to alert neighbors to ICE — organizers advise using three short bursts if agents are near, or one long whistle if there’s an active arrest.
You can also help distribute whistles. Follow Belmont Cragin United for news on upcoming Whistlemania meetups — there’s one in Elgin Nov. 8. Or host your own! You can also purchase and donate whistles directly through this Amazon wishlist.
Honking your car horn can also function as an effective ICE warning. But remember that following any vehicle can be dangerous — especially as the feds try to crack down. Agents said Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) was impeding an operation by following behind in her car and honking her horn.
Many Chicagoans are joining rapid response networks and volunteer watches. These include:
- Pilsen’s Migra Watch team
- ONE Northside
- Court Watch
- Organized Communities Against Deportations
- West Ridge Community Response Team
- Mano a Mano
- Walking School Bus programs
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid is a way to help your community that doesn’t necessarily require putting your body on the line. Here are the basics of Chicago mutual aid.
Where to Donate
Money talks. Here are some places your dollars can directly aid neighbors struggling amid the ongoing crackdown:
- Chicago Street Vendor Relief Fund
- Operation Buyout
- Sin Titulo’s grocery runs (You can also sign up to volunteer)
- The Abuelita Hot Chocolate Run 2025
- Northern Illinois Justice For Our Neighbors
- Pilsen Food Pantry
Where to Spend
Since the feds are targeting Hispanic communities, businesses are strained in areas like Hermosa, Little Village, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Pilsen, and Belmont Cragin.
A Taste of Belmont Cragin is coming up Oct. 28, but you don’t need an occasion to patronize local restaurants.
