CHICAGO (WLS) — Communities across the Chicago area are preparing for an increase in immigration enforcement on Saturday.
A group of approximately 300 federal agents will utilize North Chicago’s Naval Station Great Lakes as a central hub for enhanced operations starting on Saturday.
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Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congressman Brad Schneider, went to the Navy directly for answers on Friday.
The admiral overseeing operations at Naval Station Great Lakes has reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with the Department of Homeland Security requested the use of office space and parking at the base from September 5 to October 5.
The Navy agreed, but is not providing barracks or housing, nor are they allowing the federal agents to have lethal munitions on base.
The Illinois representatives say they tried to speak with DHS officials on base but with no luck.
President Donald Trump says the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area is about getting dangerous criminals off the streets.
On Friday, protestors were already gathered outside a now-secured Broadview ICE facility, which is anticipated to serve as a processing site for operations daily over the next month and a half.
Meanwhile, local communities are taking precautions ahead of the anticipated crackdown.
Wauconda has decided to cancel its Latin Heritage Fest. Organizers recognize the event’s significance to the community but emphasize that ensuring safety is a priority.
In Aurora, the Fiestas Patrias is set to proceed this weekend. The city’s special events team has stated they are collaborating closely with public safety departments to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.
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In Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, community leaders are urging people to continue to live their lives, but make a plan.
The Mexican Independence Parade in Little Village is still happening next weekend.
And Chicago educators are launching a new campaign to get information out to families as these operations begin.
A group of Chicago Public Schools teachers has been distributing so-called “defend your rights” flyers at schools across the city.
The Chicago Teachers Union says it will also activate teams to have a watchful presence around their schools.
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