Many undocumented Mexicans in Chicago are taking action even before President Trump ramped up enforcement in this predominantly Democratic city.
A significant number of unauthorized immigrants and asylum seekers in the Chicago area have sought help from Julie Contreras, a pastor and activist in Waukegan who leads the nonprofit United Hopes. According to reports, she has assisted around 200 individuals in her efforts.
Many are feeling the pinch financially. Customers in their stores are dwindling, leading to increasing anxiety about potential ICE actions, as reported by a Chicago media outlet.
In an interview, an individual named Abigail Hernandez shared that he came to the U.S. aiming to support his daughter back in Mexico. This represents a common narrative among many undocumented immigrants, particularly during Biden’s administration.
The pursuit of economic stability drives many of these immigrants to send money back home, a practice known as “remittance.” Interestingly, they often send more money from the United States to their home countries than the government allocates for foreign aid.
For instance, last year alone, remittances from the U.S. to Mexico reached about $63 billion. However, due to Trump’s immigration measures, this amount has reportedly decreased compared to the previous years.
This $63 billion represents a significant loss for the U.S. economy. It’s money that doesn’t contribute to local businesses, community investments, taxes, or economic growth; it’s essentially funds that have exited the country.
Moreover, the anxiety surrounding Trump’s immigration actions is palpable. Many fear the possibility of being detained by ICE, facing uncomfortable conditions, or being deported to countries where they have no ties.
These concerns are pushing some undocumented immigrants to reconsider their situations, choosing to take control of their destinies instead of risking unpredictable outcomes with ICE.
The White House indicates that over a million undocumented immigrants have already made the decision to return to their home countries.
Last month, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, reported that around 1.6 million illegal immigrants had voluntarily left the United States for their home countries.
“This is significant. It means safer streets, less burden on taxpayers, reduced pressure on schools and hospitals, and better job opportunities for Americans. Thank you, President Trump!” Noem remarked in a press release.
