Chicago federal workers use lunch hour to protest ICE raids, citing safety
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal workers rallied Wednesday afternoon, demanding changes from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The workers want to see ICE raids end.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

They feel working for the government is becoming dangerous.

Some federal workers spent lunch hour sharing concerns about working in proximity to ICE, as actions by ICE agents have drawn criticism and protests.

The group, represented by their unions, rallied on Federal Plaza against ICE actions.

They say working in federal buildings puts them at risk.

“The public is confusing us, and they don’t have confidence that they can safely interact with us,” stated Colin Smalley from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.

Recent arrests by ICE agents sparked protests in Chicago and other parts of the country. Some have become violent.

The arrests and deportations are a mandate from the Trump administration to get criminals out of the country.

While there are inquiries about who is being detained and the reasons for it, some federal government employees express concerns about being mistakenly identified by the public or even ICE agents.

“The fact that they’ve deported citizens has me terrified,” said Luis Antonio Flores, with American Federation of Labor, Local 704.

Flores said he and colleagues have been sent home early due to protests, and he says he’s concerned his ethnicity could make him a target.

“As someone with a Latino name and brown skin, it’s not unreasonable to worry that if they are arbitrarily detaining people to meet a quota, I might be picked up on my way to work, lunch, or home,” said Flores.

The lunch hour ended, and the workers returned back to their duties in their federal offices.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Officials investigating after deadly crane collapse in commercial area north of Boston

Tragic Crane Collapse Under Investigation in Boston’s Northern Suburbs

Tragedy struck just north of Boston on Friday, as a crane collapse…
Progressive Zohran Mamdani taking his case directly to Fox News’ conservative viewers

Progressive Powerhouse Zohran Mamdani Faces Fox News: A Bold Move to Connect with Conservative Viewers

Zohran Mamdani, a leading Democratic mayoral candidate known for his democratic socialist…
Independent NJ candidate’s martial arts theatrics shakes up township meeting

Martial Arts Moves by Independent NJ Candidate Stir Excitement at Township Meeting

It felt less like a conventional town hall meeting and more akin…
'I am not done': Kamala Harris hints at another White House bid

Kamala Harris Teases 2024 White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’ Signals Potential Presidential Campaign

In a recent interview with the BBC, former Vice President Kamala Harris…
'No Kings' protests largely comprised of people from one demographic: experts

Experts Reveal Predominant Demographic in ‘No Kings’ Protest Movement

At last weekend’s “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C., the sight of…
Rubio slams UNRWA as a 'subsidiary of Hamas,' vows it will not 'play any role' in delivering aid to Gaza

Senator Rubio Denounces UNRWA as ‘Hamas Subsidiary,’ Pledges to Block Gaza Aid Involvement

In the wake of Vice President JD Vance’s departure back to Washington,…
DHS marks 'one of the most violent days' of Operation Midway Blitz with several arrests

DHS Reports Surge in Arrests During Intense Operation Midway Blitz Day

Nine individuals, comprising three undocumented immigrants and six American citizens, were apprehended…
Dramatic video shows NYPD officers rescuing a missing dog named Moose from beneath a Manhattan subway train

Watch: NYPD Heroes Save Missing Dog ‘Moose’ from Manhattan Subway Tracks

A dramatic rescue unfolded in Manhattan as officers from the New York…
Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

New England’s Historic Libraries Blend Timeless Charm with Modern Comfort for Book Lovers and History Enthusiasts

In the heart of Boston, David Arsenault experiences a sense of reverence…
June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from 'Lassie' and 'Lost In Space,' dies at 100 in Santa Monica

Farewell to June Lockhart: Celebrating the Iconic TV Mom from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space’ at 100

In SANTA MONICA, Calif., June Lockhart, cherished as a maternal figure by…
'Brazen' Louvre thieves made targeted heist, treasures could be melted down: expert

Inside the Heist: A Cinematic Jewel Theft Unfolds in Paris

Every now and then, journalists come across stories so extraordinary that even…
Chicago shooting: Family pleads for justice after Princeton Miller shot, killed in West Loop during brother's birthday celebration

Family Seeks Justice After Princeton Miller Fatally Shot in Chicago’s West Loop During Birthday Celebration

A grieving family is desperately seeking answers over a month after their…