In continuation of the current Chicago ICE Raids, and recent SNAP benefits crisis affecting Chicago's Chinatown community, I invited two dedicated community leaders in the Chinatown community: Grace Chan McKibben and Andrew Frangos, to discuss the rapid response efforts in Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods.
In a time when federal actions are creating widespread fear and instability, we dived into how local leaders, residents, and businesses are working in solidarity to protect one another.
Immediate ICE Response: Grace and Andrew detail the community's swift reaction to the recent, highly visible ICE raids in the Chicagoland area, including reports of violent and false detentions. We discuss what practices communities are using to monitor activity, provide alerts, and empower residents to Know Their Rights.
Protecting Neighbors and Businesses: We look at the practical ways the community—from small businesses to residents—are creating a protective net to ensure the safety and legal rights of immigrant families, seniors, and workers.
The SNAP Benefit Crisis: We explore the devastating and immediate impact of the recent SNAP benefit reductions and policy changes that are disproportionately affecting low-income seniors and vulnerable families in the area.
Mobilizing Resources: Both outline the community work that is being done to fill the resource gap, including emergency food distribution, legal aid services, and language support to help residents navigate the ongoing, shifting landscape.
A Call to Action: How listeners—both in and outside of Chicago—can support the community's defense funds, rapid response teams, and local organizations working on the front lines of this crisis.
Resources:
Contact ICIRR for ICE sightings in Illinois
From Andrew:Pilsen PUÑO, an organization that coordinates a Migra Watch team and provides regular trainings:
https://www.instagram.com/pilsenpuno/. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ4bsY4jUcP/.
Sanctuary For All UIC (https://www.instagram.com/sanctuaryforalluic/) maintains this linktree with a link to a massive list of trainings offered beyond the Chicago area, as well as other resources: https://linktr.ee/sanctuaryforalluic.