In Chicago neighborhoods like Little Village and Logan Square, community leaders and parents are taking extra steps to ensure children can enjoy Halloween without fear. Citing ongoing immigration enforcement operations, residents have organized safe trick-or-treating zones, complete with street closures and volunteer patrols.
These community-led efforts emerged after a request by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to temporarily halt federal enforcement activities over the holiday weekend was denied by the Department of Homeland Security. In response, local organizers have stepped up to create a sense of security for families.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago neighborhoods, including Little Village and Logan Square, organized safe Halloween events due to concerns over immigration enforcement.
- Community initiatives include parades, street closures, and volunteer patrols to monitor for suspicious activity.
- The Department of Homeland Security denied a request from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to pause operations for the holiday.
- Organizers trained volunteers in non-confrontational safety tactics, such as forming human chains to protect children.
- Parents expressed gratitude for the measures, stating the organized presence made them feel safer.
Little Village Organizes a Parade of Resilience
In the heart of Little Village, the annual Halloween celebration took on a deeper meaning this year. The Little Village Community Council organized a parade along a two-mile stretch of 26th Street, transforming the bustling commercial corridor into a protected space for families.
The event was a direct response to the federal government's confirmation that immigration enforcement would continue without pause through the Halloween weekend. Community leaders felt it was essential to provide a visible and secure alternative for children to celebrate a cherished tradition.
"This is something that we were hoping that they took a day off, but we see that, no, they're heartless," said Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council.
Enriquez emphasized that the parade was more than just a fun event; it was a continuation of a cultural tradition and a statement of community strength. He noted that while some families were determined not to live in fear, others were hesitant to participate, highlighting the anxiety present in the neighborhood.
A Network of Volunteers
To ensure the safety of attendees, a significant volunteer effort was put in place. Approximately 200 volunteers were deployed along the parade route from Sacramento Avenue to Kostner Avenue.
These volunteers were not just passive observers. According to organizers, they received specific instructions on how to respond if they witnessed enforcement activity.
Volunteers were trained to form a "human chain" to shield children and families if an attempt was made to detain someone. Enriquez clarified the protocol: "We will not impede, we will not interfere, but we will not let them grab our children."
Parents at the event said the organized presence was reassuring. "It's nice and there's no violence, everybody is friendly," a parent named Brenda told reporters. "We have a lot of people on the watch, which actually makes it feel safe as well."
Logan Square Closes Streets for Safety
A similar grassroots effort took shape in the Logan Square neighborhood, where residents organized to close off a portion of North Bernard Street to traffic. The goal was to create a pedestrian-only zone where children could trick-or-treat from house to house without worry.
Background on Enforcement Concerns
The community actions follow a recent incident in the nearby Old Irving Park neighborhood where tear gas was deployed on a residential street as families prepared for a local Halloween parade. This event, coupled with ongoing operations, heightened concerns among parents across the city about the safety of outdoor holiday activities.
Longtime Logan Square resident Liz Tate was one of the organizers behind the street closure. She was motivated by recent events that she felt had negatively impacted children in the city.
"Halloween is always really special here," Tate said. "I've seen a lot of things happen in the city over the last couple of weeks that have affected children. And I wanted to make sure children could come out and feel safe."
The neighbors successfully obtained city permits for the closure. The effort was supported by the Chicago Police Department, which positioned officers to block traffic, and supplemented by local volunteers who patrolled the surrounding area.
A Community's Voice Heard
The proactive safety measures were a welcome sight for parents in Logan Square. Jourdan Chavez, a parent attending the event, noted the importance of the community's actions.
"To see these safety precautions put up, it's nice to see people's voices are being heard," Chavez said, reflecting a sentiment of relief and appreciation among the families present.
The actions in both Little Village and Logan Square demonstrate a powerful community response to external pressures. By organizing and collaborating, residents created pockets of normalcy and joy, allowing children to experience a Halloween defined by costumes and candy, not fear and uncertainty. The events underscore a commitment to protecting childhood traditions even in challenging circumstances.