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

Woman wears full protective gear at home due to ‘toxic’ yet trendy bedroom item – safe for sleeping but avoid unzipping

A WOMAN has shared an urgent warning after a simple mistake forced…
Has America Had Enough of the Race-Baiters?

Is the U.S. Growing Wary of Divisive Rhetoric on Race?

There it was again—Monday arrived, and with it, more divisive conversations. Joy…
Ella Emhoff shares climate anxiety concerns while using plastic bags in social media posts

Ella Emhoff Discusses Climate Anxiety While Facing Backlash for Plastic Bag Use in Social Media Posts

Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed her struggles…
Virginia teens suspended for questioning transgender student about being in boys locker room

Virginia High School Students Suspended After Inquiring About Transgender Peer in Boys’ Locker Room

Two Virginia teen students are being suspended after they were recorded on…
Fred Meyer and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union building in Kent, Washington.

Kroger Announces Store Closures, Citing Increased Theft Despite Enhanced Security Measures

KROGER chiefs have confirmed that the grocer is closing down two of…
Chicago weather: Storms bring heavy rain across area, with flood advisories in effect BP refinery in Whiting impacted

Chicago Weather Alert: Heavy Rain Leads to Flood Advisories, Affecting BP Refinery in Whiting

CHICAGO (WLS) — Heavy rain fell across the Chicago area Monday night…
Bodycam video released of high-speed chase from St. Johns Co. to Jacksonville

Footage from Bodycam Shows High-Speed Pursuit from St. Johns County to Jacksonville

Fallyn Zerbe, 30, is facing a series of charges from various agencies,…
FBI takes down Anti-Tren gang members in largest bust yet in violent migrant turf war

Federal Authorities Charge Numerous Alleged Members of Tren de Aragua with Drug Trafficking and Murder-for-Hire

Thirty individuals, believed to be members and leaders of Tren de Aragua…
Nina Santiago and Patrick Blackwood

Shocking Footage: Food Critics Flee as Car Crashes Into Restaurant

In one instant, a duo of food influencers were relishing salmon sliders…
President Donald Trump speaking at a multilateral meeting with European leaders.

Trump Dismisses US Troop Deployment in Ukraine for Peacekeeping; Outlines America’s Post-War Role

DONALD Trump today ruled out American troops patrolling Ukraine — but said…
Maine reserve police officer agrees to leave US voluntarily after ICE arrest for immigration violations

Maine Reserve Police Officer Chooses Voluntary Departure from U.S. Following ICE Immigration Violation Arrest

A Maine reserve police officer arrested by ICE for allegedly trying to…
Large explosion near a ship.

Explosion Rocks Baltimore Harbor as Cargo Ship Erupts in Flames Near Recent Bridge Collapse Site

DRAMATIC footage has captured the moment a cargo ship exploded in Baltimore.…