Approximately 3,000 Mexican runners have signed up for the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, stirring potential tensions with federal authorities.
This year, the 47th running of the marathon anticipates around 53,000 participants and almost 2 million spectators in a city facing significant crime and intense anti-ICE protests.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke about the Mexican participants at a recent press conference, urging for a peaceful atmosphere.
“I want everyone to come,” he declared, encouraging people to “demonstrate resistance” and not submit to “tyranny.”
Protests against ICE have led to numerous confrontations with law enforcement, with the latest incidents resulting in four arrests on Friday at the agency’s Broadview location. There’s a cloud of gossip regarding possible immigration enforcement actions targeting spectators and participants from the 140 nations involved in this annual event.
Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) expressed his concern, stating, “With so many people at the marathon, ICE is still operating.”
“I really have no idea what their plans are during the marathon,” he added.
The Chicago Park District echoed this uncertainty, announcing via Instagram that they lacked any information about ICE presence at the marathon, even as social media buzzed with speculation.
However, many commenters on the announcement expressed skepticism. One asked, “Are you staying silent because it was leaked?” while another questioned, “Are the spectators safe?”
This marathon is facing legal challenges, as its route traverses some of the most crime-afflicted neighborhoods on the South Side, areas that have previously drawn harsh criticism.
