A recent study by the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that immigration crackdowns in early 2025 significantly impacted Chicago’s economy, costing local businesses over $1.26 billion. The research used anonymous cellphone GPS data to track movement between immigrant and non-immigrant neighborhoods in Cook County. After President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2025, rumors of ICE raids led to a sharp decline in visits to retail shops and restaurants, with a 9% drop in retail and a 10% drop in restaurant visits. This change persisted for a year, affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant communities. The study highlights the interconnectedness of immigrant communities with the broader economy, challenging the notion that they are isolated. The fear of ICE raids was so intense that it altered people’s daily routines, as illustrated by a Chicago waitress who hesitated to go grocery shopping.
QUESTION: How might the fear of immigration enforcement impact the sense of community and trust in neighborhoods?
New report shows the economic toll of ICE raids
