The Trump administration has been using every means available to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation — primarily to discourage people from standing up as he cuts millions of dollars from programs that benefit the general population, all while enriching himself and the wealthiest business leaders and billionaires in the country. Some of these fear-based tactics have included ramping up ICE activity and deploying troops to cities across the U.S.
In this context, on October 8th, National Guard troops were sent to Chicago, and with their arrival, the number of ICE raids and assaults has increased. Nevertheless, while state violence has intensified, so too has people’s determination to resist.
Across the city of Chicago, organizing meetings to oppose ICE have taken place in neighborhoods, schools, and even restaurants — sometimes so large they couldn’t accommodate all attendees. Protests have also taken place throughout the city, such as the one organized by the Chicago Teachers Union on October 11th, which called for de-funding ICE in favor of allocating funds to public education, healthcare, and food for all.
Similarly, neighborhood-based defense efforts against ICE have also emerged. Groups of volunteers patrol the streets, watching for suspicious vehicles and agents, and use whistles to warn their neighbors if an ICE raid is taking place.
These acts of protest and resistance show that we don’t have to give in to fear-mongering and state violence. Together, we can push back — sometimes in creative and unexpected ways. We can resist, and in doing so, inspire others to join us in the fight!
