The local community in Chicago rallied Friday morning to continue selling tamales at the location where Laura Murillo was detained by immigration enforcement officers while working as a food vendor the previous day.
“We purchased all her tamales, took her place, and sold those tamales to raise funds for her,” stated Berto Aguayo, Cochair of policy at the Latino Leadership Council.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Supporters are not letting her ICE arrest stop them from continuing Laura Murillo’s work in the community.
“We need to support one another,” Aguayo remarked. “Street vendors are in fear of going about their work. Everyone needs to do this; buy from your street vendor, cover their shift, and help them navigate these challenging times.”
RELATED: Tamale vendor among several arrested during ICE raid near Home Depot on SW Side: ‘Took everything’
Laura’s daughter spoke tearfully about the effort.
“It’s like a roller coaster of emotions,” she said. “I woke up missing my mom, so it was hard you know? But right now happy.”
She said she drove by 47th & Western Thursday to check on her mom. Her van was there, but she was gone.
The 54-year-old mother of four was among several individuals targeted in an ICE raid at a Home Depot in the Back of the Yards area, where day laborers often gather seeking work. According to her family, she has no criminal history.
A regular customer who sees Laura every day, Rosie Hueso said she wanted to keep supporting her friend’s family.
“It’s deeply concerning because she’s merely selling her tamales, and it’s distressing to witness them taking people in such a manner,” expressed Hueso.
The public’s support is fueling Laura’s family to keep fighting.
“I have no idea where my mother is or how she’s doing, and that’s what’s driving me,” her daughter shared. “She needs to be with us. Even if she’s not, we will be by her side no matter where she is, but we are definitely ready to fight for her.”
Organizers said they’ll continue supporting and educating the community with a “know your rights” campaign, encouraging people to unify and protect one another.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
