Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained nearly twelve undocumented Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers Saturday at a ride-share area in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
ICE arrived early Saturday and began checking drivers’ documentation, which led to a noticeable decrease in the number of Uber and Lyft drivers present by Sunday, as reported by WFLD-TV in Chicago.
Some legal rideshare drivers expressed concerns to the media, suggesting that the presence of undocumented drivers is contributing to market saturation and even increasing road hazards.
Mohammad Rashid, who has been driving for Uber legally in Chicago for six years, stated that many undocumented individuals use others’ identities to gain access to rideshare services. He emphasized the importance of safety at O’Hare, where millions of travelers pass through daily.
He advised Uber users to verify that the information they receive matches the driver and urged cautiousness, saying, “If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t start traveling.”
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, mentioned that among those apprehended, individuals hailed from countries like Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Some had prior criminal records as well.
Legal immigrant drivers can access federal programs designed to assist undocumented immigrants. McLaughlin highlighted that those in the country illegally have options: they can use the CBP Home app for a free ticket and $1,000 or potentially face arrest and deportation.
Reports surfaced that some undocumented immigrants in Chicago are contemplating deportation to avoid ICE intervention. The media mentioned that Mexican nationals were already repacking their belongings in preparation for leaving the U.S., with a local activist noting discussions with around fifty Mexicans making the same plans.
The Department of Homeland Security is taking steps to promote self-deportation. They’ve allocated funds for social media ads to encourage illegal aliens to leave voluntarily before an arrest occurs. One advertisement noted, “If you are an illegal alien, this airstrip is your future because you are coming home,” warning of the consequences of non-compliance under current administration policies.
The advertisements promote the CBP Home App, which offers resources for those considering repatriation.
