Chicago is once again in the spotlight of the US federal authorities. According to local and national media, mass raids aimed at detaining and deporting illegal immigrants will begin on January 21, 2025. This decision has caused a wave of criticism from local politicians, civil society organizations and activists.

Why Chicago?
Chicago has the status of a "sanctuary city", which means that local authorities do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration policy issues. This has made the city a symbol of resistance to strict measures against immigrants. According to experts, the Trump administration chose Chicago as the first target for raids precisely because of its political status.

Reaction of local authorities
The mayor of the city, as well as representatives of the municipality, condemned the plans of the federal authorities. The governor of Illinois also issued a statement that he does not support actions that may violate human rights. "We will protect all residents of our city, regardless of their immigration status," the mayor said.

What do activists say?
Migrant rights groups have already launched a campaign to educate the community. Help centers are being set up in several Chicago neighborhoods to educate migrants about their rights and offer legal support.

What's next?
Experts predict that these raids could lead to mass protests, especially in areas with high migrant populations. Some analysts also note that such actions could increase tensions between federal and local governments.