Chicago Should Pause Evictions As ICE Raids Continue, Housing Advocates Say

Chicago tenants groups are pressing for an eviction moratorium as ICE continues operations that have arrested over 3,000 individuals in the city. The All-Chicago Tenants Alliance emphasizes that fear surrounding these raids is causing many workers, particularly in the Latino community, to lose wages and risk eviction. Organizers argue that eviction could further expose these residents to federal targeting. Mayor Brandon Johnson has stated he is open to considering the moratorium, while Governor JB Pritzker's office has not responded to inquiries. This request draws on precedents set during the COVID-19 pandemic when eviction protections were implemented.

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who represents a majority-Latino ward, supports the moratorium and is also interested in rental assistance for those impacted by the immigration sweeps. Danny Rosa from the All-Chicago Tenants Alliance asserts that an eviction moratorium is essential for immediate protection. The situation reflects a broader crisis created by federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.