EMERGENCY EPISODE: How Chicago Is Responding to ICE Raids w/Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez

A State of Emergency: Resisting ICE in Chicago

Trigger/Content Warning: Episode will discuss ICE raids, violent detainment, and police brutality. Time stamp: Recorded on Tuesday, October 13th, 7:30 pm US CST

The city of Chicago and in the suburbs are currently grappling with a climate of fear and constitutional crisis following escalated raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In this emergency episode, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward, a leading voice on the front lines of this fight, representing communities like Pilsen and Little Village joins me as a guest to talk about the current climate in his ward and throughout Chicago.

Alderman Sigcho-Lopez shares a direct, unfiltered account of what is happening on the ground:

* The Breakdown of Order: We discuss evidence of ICE agents violating federal court orders, challenging the constitutional rights of Chicago residents, and operating with impunity in immigrant communities.

* Calling Out the Governor: The Alderman provides a sharp critique of Governor Pritzker and the failure of state-level law enforcement (Illinois State Police and Chicago Police) to utilize their authority to protect local residents and enforce existing sanctuary policies.

* Community Mobilization: Hear how the 25th Ward office is working hand-in-hand with rapid response networks and grassroots organizations—the true frontline defense—to track ICE activity, connect families with legal aid, and provide necessary resources, safety protection, and mutual aid to people affected by the ongoing raids.

* Systemic Roots of the Crisis: This episode connects the current immigration enforcement crisis to a broader history of systemic oppression that has long targeted and harmed Black, Latino, and other marginalized communities in Chicago.

This is more than an update—it’s a call to action to understand your rights and the power of local organizing.

Guest & Resources

* Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward)

* 25th Ward Website: https://25thward.org/

* Rapid Response/Know Your Rights:

* Chicago ICE Raid Hotline from ICIRR (Illinois Coalition of Immigrant Rights and Refugees: 855-435=7693

* Link to Know Your Rights (also available in several languages): https://www.icirr.org/fsn

Call to Action (CTA)

1. SHARE THIS EPISODE: The best defense is community knowledge. Share this episode immediately to get this critical information to every resident in Chicago and beyond.

2. GET INVOLVED: Contact the 25th Ward office or a local rapid response network to volunteer, donate, or get Know Your Rights training.

3. SUBSCRIBE to The Banh Mi Chronicles for more episodes challenging the status quo or to this newsletter, which includes this podcast

You can find a local news report on an Alderman speaking out during an ICE protest on Chicago alderman speaks out during ICE protest: ‘What we see in our streets is terror’, which provides visual context on the urgency of the issues discussed in your episode.