A Wednesday morning ICE raid at a homeless shelter in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood has led to nervous neighbors seeking answers.
The Department of Homeland Security said more than 900 people have been arrested so far during Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area, but the Bronzeville enforcement action was one of the most high-profile operations conducted by federal agents.
On Thursday, shelter officials held a town hall meeting addressing concerns from residents about what happened just 24 hours ago and said at least two of their residents were detained during the raid.
Surveillance video from Wednesday morning shows federal agents in unmarked vehicles, jumping out and chasing after a group of people standing in front of the shelter.
“They never identified themselves, they never asked for anyone in particular, didn’t present any warrants,” said Caryl West, Executive Director of Bright Star Community Development Corporation. “They simply gave chase and five people were initially detained.”
Video shared with NBC Chicago captured a shelter staff member talking with agents. West told NBC Chicago his group manages the shelter for the city, serving a mixed population of migrants and the unhoused.
He said the building was initially a migrant shelter before becoming a shelter for the homeless in January. Around 260 single men and women stay at the shelter.
“Their space was invaded yesterday and so disappointment that they now have to experience this that they now have to deal with additional hurt and additional trauma,” said West.
The encounter was documented on Facebook live by the pastor of Bright Star Church. He later released a video message calling the move dehumanizing.
“Let me emphasis, 60% of our immigrant residents are employed and work every single day,” said pastor Chris Harris Sr.
According to Bright Star, at least five people were detained. West said one person was released on scene after showing his asylum paperwork. The other four, including two residents and a food vendor were taken into custody.
“We aren’t aware of anyone having any issues or problems with those individuals they just become part of our family that’s all,” said West.
Shelter staff addressed fears and concerns from residents worried they could be next.
“We’ve had some residents contemplating exiting the shelter or going onto the streets thinking that it would be safer, but we wanted to assure them,” said West. “So part of our meeting today was to reassure them that this was a safe place for them.”
NBC Chicago reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a comment. We are still waiting to hear back.
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