CHICAGO (WLS) — In a powerful display of unity, residents of Chicago’s Southwest Side gathered on Saturday, raising their voices in song as they protested against immigration enforcement actions in the city.
Their protest centers around the case of 22-year-old Federico Alcantar, detained by ICE for several months following an alleged arrest at gunpoint during an October traffic stop. The agents involved were reportedly searching for a different individual.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
“I vividly recall that Saturday morning when I received the news and felt my heart shatter,” shared Mariela S., a close family friend. “It was clear to me that he didn’t deserve this ordeal.”
Alcantar is the primary caregiver for his two younger siblings, adding urgency to his plight.
“In typical situations, he would have secured release on bond weeks after his detention,” explained Katherine Greenslade, Alcantar’s attorney. “Yet, the government is investing significant resources to prevent a young man from fulfilling his responsibilities and supporting his family.”
A crowded news conference took place at St. Pius Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday morning, where elected officials from various levels of government joined community members and leaders. Their collective effort is aimed at ensuring Alcantar knows he is not isolated and is supported by a caring community.
“The only just thing for him to do is to be released by ICE and Homeland Security,” U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García said.
“What I have heard about Federico today is he was the best of the best. He was standing up for his siblings, so this is not a matter of justice or protection,” U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said. “It’s cruelty.”
Community organizers say Alcantar’s mother died of cancer, while his father was murdered in Mexico, building a case to keep Alcanta and his family together in the United States.
“We have a federal administration wreaking havoc on our communities,” Illinois Sen. Rachel Ventura said. “Causing fear and chaos to tear families apart. We must not allow this.”
Saturday’s cry for help and mercy comes ahead of a critical moment in Alcantar’s story. He is set to appear before an immigration judge on Thursday, Feb. 19, who will determine whether he can stay or be deported.
Community members pray their message of hope resonates with federal leaders.
“We are here for you today and beyond,” Deportation Defense organizer Jocelyn Aranda-Ortiz said. “What we share here today cannot end here. The presence we saw here today, the voices, the solidarity is only the beginning.”
ABC7 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security but has not heard back.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
