By: Dr. Avi Verma

Reports of mass immigration raids scheduled to begin Tuesday in Chicago, just one day after former President Donald Trump’s inauguration, have triggered widespread fear and uncertainty. As multiple media outlets confirm, federal authorities plan to target undocumented immigrants in neighborhoods with high immigrant populations and workplaces suspected of employing undocumented workers.
The news has left Chicago’s immigrant community, both documented and undocumented, in a state of panic. Families are scrambling to prepare, fearing wrongful detention or deportation.
Community in Crisis
“People are terrified—they’re afraid to leave their homes, go to work, or even take their children to school,” said Maria Torres, a community organizer in the Little Village neighborhood. Advocacy groups have reported an overwhelming number of calls from distressed families seeking guidance.
The panic extends to legal immigrants, who fear being mistakenly detained. Ahmed Khan, a green card holder in Chicago, voiced his concern: “If I’m wrongly held, what do I do? Who do I call?”
Yesterday’s federal appeals court ruling declaring DACA unconstitutional has further intensified fears, raising questions about the future of many immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years.
Legal Advice for the Community
In response to the growing panic, leading immigration attorney Mazher Shah-Khan of Chicago has provided critical guidance for individuals of various immigration statuses:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Carry your original green card at all times.
• Non-Immigrant Visa Holders (H1, F1, or Other Visas): Keep a digital copy of your visa and passport on your phone. If your status is based on a USCIS approval notice, have a copy of that document readily available.
• Employment Authorization Document Holders (Work Permits): Always carry your work permit.
• U.S. Citizens: Carry proof of citizenship, such as a passport card, as an extra precaution.
• Individuals Without Legal Status: Exercise extreme caution. Be mindful of workplace raids and roadside checkpoints. Avoid situations that might expose your immigration status and have legal counsel’s contact information readily accessible.
  Community Support and Legal Hotlines
  Local advocacy organizations have launched initiatives to provide support, including “Know Your Rights” workshops and 24-hour legal hotlines:
• National Immigration Justice Center: (312) 660-1370
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: (855) 435-7693
• ACLU Immigrant Rights Project: (212) 549-2500
  Attorney Khan emphasizes the importance of preparedness and awareness. “Have proper documentation, understand your rights, and reach out to trusted legal resources if needed,” he advises.
  City and Advocate Responses
  Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed the city’s status as a sanctuary city, pledging to protect its immigrant communities. “Chicago will not be complicit in targeting immigrant families,” the mayor’s office stated.
  Advocacy groups are also calling on the public to resist panic and focus on preparedness, urging individuals to follow safety protocols, such as:
• Not opening doors to authorities without a signed judicial warrant.
• Memorizing or saving legal contacts for emergencies.
• Discussing family emergency plans, particularly for childcare arrangements.
  A City on Edge
  As Chicago braces for these impending raids, tensions are high. Immigrant communities feel under siege, and the broader public remains divided over the ethics and legality of these actions.
  For those looking to take action or show solidarity, the ACLU has launched an initiative to stop mass deportations.
  
  The IndoUS Tribune will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.