Fears over possible ICE raids have heightened across the U.S., causing Chicago’s Mexican-American community Little Village to become deserted

A bustling shopping district in Chicago known as the “Mexico of the Midwest” has seen foot traffic plummet by 50% — as residents say they fear the immigration raids promised by President Trump. The sidewalks were empty and some businesses were closed along a two-mile stretch of shops and restaurants on 26th Street in Chicago’s Little Village —  the Windy City’s second busiest retail corridor —  as Trump was sworn into office Monday.

Children were kept home from class, while workers made the difficult decision to forgo wages as the threat of ICE raids loomed in the Windy City.

Immigrants in Chicago and other U.S. cities have been preparing for immigration arrests since President-elect Donald Trump won the November election.

The second busiest retail corridor in Chicago is typically a bustling area dotted with taquerias and Mexican grocery stores in the southwestern part of the city. By Monday afternoon it had turned into a ghost town.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city will defend residents "whether you're undocumented, whether you are seeking asylum or whether you're seeking a good paying job."

Activists are holding meetings to advise people about their legal rights and families have been drafting powers of attorney.

The incoming Trump administration is reportedly beginning mass deportations next week in the city and across the U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said "the current threats are nothing new" and advocates are ready to fight for and protect the community.

J-Hope ‘s latest solo project, Hope on the Street, has set the stage for an international run of shows on the forthcoming Hope on the Stage world tour. The BTS member will complete his first-ever solo tour between February and June with plans to perform two nights in all 15 cities on the schedule.

Istanbul ranked first globally in hours lost to traffic congestion last year, followed by New York, Chicago, London and Mexico City. According

Oasis Live ‘25” is set to bring the beloved band to venues in Toronto, Ontario; Chicago, Illinois; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; and Mexico City, Mexico this summer and early fall.

The Trump administration has ordered 1,500 U.S. military troops to the southern border as part of a crackdown on undocumented migrants.