Marketplace All-in-One Chicago vs. ICE
Oct 24, 2025
Sasha-Ann Simons, a WBEZ morning news host, shares her insights on Chicago's current challenges with immigration enforcement and local community responses. She discusses the aggressive tactics of ICE, including 'Operation Midway Blitz,' and how residents are organizing to protect families. Sasha-Ann also touches on the economic impacts on small businesses due to reduced foot traffic and the proposed corporate head tax as part of Chicago's budget plan. The conversation balances serious issues with a fun game addressing pop culture trends.
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Widespread, Aggressive ICE Operation
- Sasha-Ann Simons describes ICE's Operation Midway Blitz as pervasive and chaotic across Chicago neighborhoods.
- She reports aggressive tactics including tear gas, pepper balls, masked agents, and arrests of U.S. citizens.
Schools And Teens Caught In Sweeps
- Sasha-Ann recalls two high school students arrested, including a 16-year-old detained seven hours.
- She describes her own daughter’s school going into lockdown after ICE was spotted nearby.
Community Rapid Response Networks
- Chicago communities have rapidly organized mutual aid and rapid-response networks to protect residents.
- Volunteers run errands, offer legal contacts, and act as intermediaries when breadwinners are detained.