Chicago’s 26th Street commercial corridor was a “ghost town” as immigration raids frightened residents away from local businesses.
A Chicago neighborhood that is home to immigrant communities is slowly coming back to life after federal immigration enforcement raids rendered it a “ghost town,” report Molly DeVore, Mack Liederman, Mina Bloom and Colin Boyle for Block Club Chicago.
Little Village and its 26th Street commercial corridor are usually bustling areas with businesses serving primarily Latino customers. When ICE descended on the city, many merchants and workers chose to stay away out of fear of raids.
“But with many immigration agents now gone, 26th Street was back to bustling over the weekend. On Tuesday, vendors sold food on many blocks after community organizers had previously bought out their carts so they could stay home on some days.” However, local merchants say their sales and foot traffic have yet to bounce back.
Read the full story: Little Village’s 26th Street Slowly Comes Back To Life After Months Of Immigration Raids
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