Urgent: Chicago Street Vendors Detained by ICE Amid Community Support

URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking escalation of federal enforcement, ICE has detained at least 15 street vendors across Chicago since September, targeting community staples with no criminal records. This crackdown has sparked immediate mobilization from local residents, who are rallying to support affected families with emergency funds.

On a typical Friday morning in October, María Irma Pérez Padilla, a 52-year-old vendor known for her popular tamales in Pilsen, was abruptly seized by masked federal agents while preparing an order. Her son, Jaime Montano, witnessed the distressing scene, recounting, “They were just standing between her and her cart— they didn’t even let her finish her job.”

Despite her longstanding service to the community, Pérez was taken to a detention center, which underscores a troubling trend since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz by the Trump administration. Promoted as a crackdown on individuals with violent criminal histories, families of the detained vendors assert that most have no such background.

With many vendors disappearing from their usual spots, community organizations have swiftly organized to provide financial assistance. The Street Vendors Association of Chicago recently initiated a fundraiser aimed at collecting donations for those affected. Maria Orozco from the association stated that the campaign gained traction following media coverage of the adverse impacts of ICE raids on local vendors.

On November 2, 2025, Salvador Salas, a 75-year-old vendor, received a $500 check to help mitigate the economic fallout from ICE enforcement. The fear generated by these operations has forced many vendors to suspend their work, leading to financial strain on families that rely on this income for basic necessities, including medical care.

For Montano, community support proved vital. Donations from a GoFundMe campaign enabled him to hire an attorney, resulting in his mother’s release just one week after her arrest. Now back home, Pérez remains anxious, holding a printed copy of her release order close by as she awaits a court date later this month.

Community leaders emphasize the broader implications of these detentions. “These are folks who are community staples, who interact with their neighbors every single day,” said Brandon Lee of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “What’s happening to street vendors is just one example of the cruelty ICE has for our immigrant communities.”

As the holiday season approaches, the urgency to provide support is heightened. Orozco noted that many vendors are now hesitant to work, fearing arrest. The association’s GoFundMe campaign has reached its target of $300,000, with 979 vendors applying for emergency checks. In the first week alone, the group received an overwhelming response, with a line stretching out the door of their office.

Grassroots efforts are also underway, with community members organizing “buy-outs” to help vendors earn income without risking detention. Activist Elizeth Arguelles is spearheading initiatives to monitor vendor safety and provide support during the day.

In a poignant reminder of the ongoing crisis, neighborhood watch groups are working tirelessly to assist families like that of Edwin Andres Quinones, who was detained while selling fruit. His family has since struggled to make ends meet, with financial aid from community members providing some relief.

As tensions rise in areas like Little Village and Back of the Yards, the community is uniting to ensure that vendors can continue their livelihoods amidst fear and uncertainty. Activists and residents are determined to stand against these enforcement actions, emphasizing that street vendors are integral to the vibrancy of their neighborhoods.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to support those impacted by ICE’s aggressive tactics. As the community rallies together, the fate of these vendors hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform in immigration policy.