CHICAGO — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a suspected human trafficker during a morning raid in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood this week, prompting renewed scrutiny of the city’s sanctuary policies and the extent of police involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Video from the scene shows masked ICE agents detaining a man and placing him into a black van while a woman—described by observers as a local Democratic activist—demanded to know his destination, asserting the officers were “required” to provide information. The agents did not respond to her demands.
Concerns Raised Over CPD Involvement
The arrest reportedly took place near 18th and Carpenter Streets, where bystanders noticed a Chicago Police Department (CPD) vehicle on site during the federal operation. One officer allegedly left after being informed the action involved civil immigration enforcement—an area where CPD is barred from participating under the Welcoming City Ordinance.
Ald. Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez confirmed to reporters that CPD officers were initially present, sparking fears the department may have violated sanctuary city protocols by collaborating or communicating with ICE during the operation.
According to a report from Block Club Chicago, ICE confirmed two individuals were taken into custody, but did not comment further on the details of the arrest or pending charges.
Push for Transparency and New Ordinances
The city’s response has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates and prompted calls for greater transparency. Organizations such as the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) accused CPD of “blatant collaboration” with ICE, despite city laws prohibiting such cooperation without a judicial warrant.
Ald. André Vasquez and Ald. Maria Hadden have since introduced a new ordinance that would require public documentation of all communications between CPD and federal immigration authorities. The measure aims to prevent backdoor coordination and uphold Chicago’s sanctuary commitments.
“Even if officers are just standing nearby, that can be intimidating and misleading to residents. We need clarity and accountability,” said Ald. Hadden.
Chicago’s Position Amid Broader ICE Crackdowns
The Pilsen arrest comes during a period of heightened federal enforcement, as ICE ramps up operations nationwide under directives to target individuals deemed “high-risk” or with prior convictions.
In Illinois, both state law and local policy restrict cooperation with ICE. Governor J.B. Pritzker previously reaffirmed that state agencies would only assist in rare cases involving serious violent crimes and only when a judicial order is in place. These rules are designed to protect immigrant communities from fear-based policing and unconstitutional detentions.
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Earlier this week, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for being “on the wrong side of the law” regarding ICE resistance, stating during a televised interview that federal agents need more cooperation—not less—from local officials.
Do you support Chicago’s sanctuary city protections, or do you believe police should assist federal agencies during immigration raids? Let us know your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
