Social media users are in an uproar over a recent ABC7 broadcast in Chicago, where they interviewed local residents who urged illegal immigrants to “know their rights should ICE come knocking.”
The report, which aired Wednesday, details how Chicago residents are patrolling neighborhoods, educating the community about recent “mass deportation raids” and telling illegal aliens what to do when Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows up at their door.
Presenter Cheryl Burton spoke from the studio, before moving on to journalist Michelle Gallardo's report.
Burton said, “Chicago's immigrant community is on edge tonight as Michelle Gallardo reports that activists and elected officials are canvassing neighborhoods and letting people know their rights if ICE comes knocking — don't answer the door for ICE.”
Gallardo spoke with local business owners, who have placed “don't open for ICE” posters on their windows and given local illegal immigrants tips on how to survive during the new Trump administration.
However, viewers have expressed outrage over the network's decision to air the advisory, anti-ICE messages from Chicago.
“Imagine if Chicago had an unbiased media that served the interests of the public, not the interests of the WOKE Democrats for whom they carry water,” wrote a user on X, formerly Twitter.
'HOW IS THIS ALLOWED?? They are ILLEGAL here,” another user wrote.
Presenter Cheryl Burton (photo) spoke from the studio, before moving on to journalist Michelle Gallardo's report on the spot. Burton echoed what locals are telling illegal aliens on the streets of Chicago: “Know their rights if ICE comes knocking – don't open the door for ICE.”
“Don't Open For ICE” signs can be seen at many businesses in the Little Village community of Chicago, Illinois. The broadcaster was criticized for broadcasting the advice, given by members of the local community
Another added: “What rights should illegal aliens have?”
“Doesn't this make her an accomplice? Or something like that? Send her to jail,” wrote another. 'Things will only be cleaned up if there are consequences for the choices. Media is responsible for what they point their cameras at and what comes out of their mouths.”
On his first full day in office, President Donald Trump authorized federal immigration authorities to target schools and churches, rescinding a policy that banned arrests in “sensitive” areas, the Department of Homeland Security said.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in American schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our courageous law enforcement officers, but instead trusts them to use their common sense,” a DHS spokesperson told ABC7.
Chicago Public Schools, teachers and faith leaders are 'preparing' to protect students and parishioners amid the possibility of immigration agents showing up.
Activists and local elected officials also continue to advocate in Chicago neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village to let people know their rights.
Businesses in the Little Village — known as a center of Mexican culture and community in Chicago — have boldly displayed the same flyer that reads, “Don't open for ICE.”
Little Village business owners told the outlet it's the least they can do to preserve their community.
“People should stick together, regardless of their immigration status,” Little Village entrepreneur Jose Luis Vasquez told ABC7 in Spanish.
ABC7 Chicago aired an interview with local man Jose Luis Vasquez – who taped the anti-ICE posters outside his business
On his first full day in office, President Donald Trump authorized federal immigration authorities to target schools and churches, rescinding a policy that banned arrests in “sensitive” areas, the Department of Homeland Security said. Pictured: Scenes of an ICE raid
Activists and local elected officials also continue to advocate in Chicago neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village to let people know their rights.
A handful of activists have also been weathering the freezing temperatures in an effort to oppose the Trump administration's “mass deportation plans,” ABC7 reported.
“We have been here since five in the morning educating the community and teaching our people that they have rights. You have the right to a lawyer. You have the right to a trial,” said Baltazar Enriquez, a member of the Little Village Community Council.
For much of the week, residents of the affected communities have reported “very little foot traffic” on the usually bustling streets — citing both the subzero temperatures and growing fear among residents.
Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said their hotline has been inundated with calls.
“From January 1 to January 19, we received 800 calls. But on January 20 alone we received almost 400 calls,” Benito said.
A handful of activists have also been weathering the freezing temperatures in an effort to oppose the Trump administration's announced “mass deportation” plans. Pictured: Hundreds of immigrants wait in long lines at an ICE office the day after President Donald Trump took office
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker claimed that ICE has “failed to communicate” with his administration, but he said the number of targets — people with criminal records — could be much higher than initially thought. Pictured: Recently arrived migrants remain camped outside the Watson Hotel on the west side of Manhattan
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker claimed that ICE has “failed to communicate” with his administration, but he said the number of targets — people with criminal records — could be much higher than initially thought.
“They haven't communicated with us, so we don't know when exactly those enforcement actions will take place. We've heard they're initially targeting as many as 2,000 people in the city of Chicago alone,” Pritzker said.
The hotly contested “Know Your Rights” campaigns continue to spread across Chicago, as Pilsen's Perez Elementary School plans to host weekly information sessions every Tuesday starting next week.
“We have started attending Know Your Rights training so that we know how to defend ourselves and our students if someone tries to do so, if Ice tries to communicate with us or potentially detains someone,” said Erin, a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools.
ABC7 Chicago has been contacted for comment.
