In Chicago, a strong wave of local solidarity is growing in response to a stringent federal immigration enforcement operation. According to reports, over 3,200 arrests were made in the metropolitan area after the crackdown began. Street vendors—long a vibrant part of Latino neighborhoods—began staying home in fear, as the risk of detention rose.

In response, Chicago residents stepped up: cycling groups, neighbourhood networks and advocacy organisations organised “buy-out” sprees. They arrived at vendor carts early in the morning and purchased everything—tamales, elotes, sweets—allowing the vendors to pack up and leave safely. Some rides took out five vendors at a time; one organiser recalled a vendor later saying “you saved my life” after the operation passed through.

Beyond food stands, local restaurants and shops in Latino-majority neighbourhoods were also suffering due to reduced foot traffic. Community members responded with crowdsourced funds and restaurant-crawl events to support these businesses. These efforts illustrate how neighbourhood networks can provide buffers and care when formal systems leave people exposed.