Chicago Officials, Protesters Clash With ICE Over Immigrant Detentions

On Wednesday, a chaotic scene unfolded outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Chicago’s South Loop as ICE agents detained several immigrants during an enforcement operation. Many of those taken into custody had reportedly been called in for routine check-ins as part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), but were instead detained, with some separated from their legal counsel and family members. Community activists, immigrant rights supporters, and several Chicago aldermen—including Anthony Quezada, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez—joined the protest, engaging in non-violent civil disobedience and attempting to block ICE vehicles. Tensions escalated as federal agents and demonstrators clashed, with reports of aldermen being pushed by agents. ICE stated that those detained had final removal orders from immigration judges and had not complied with those orders, while activists argued that many were still in asylum proceedings or appeals. Chicago police were present but did not assist in the immigration enforcement, adhering to city policy which limits cooperation with ICE.