“Not in My City”: Illinois Senator Karina Villa Defends Chicago Families During ICE Raids
Illinois State Senator Karina Villa made headlines after confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during raids in West Chicago. Villa livestreamed the encounters on Facebook, where she was shouting, “Not in my city! Not in my city!” as masked agents moved through neighborhoods.
She urged residents to stay inside, avoid opening their doors without a warrant, and document any ICE activity with photos and videos. “It’s very important, as allies, that we show up for each other,” she said.
Reports of arrests spread fear in the community
Videos circulating on social media showed ICE agents making arrests in grocery stores, apartment complexes, and even from a van. Neighbors shouted in outrage as car windows were smashed and individuals were detained.
Karina Villa confirmed that “masked individuals came upon people with the color of my skin, and picked them up.” She said more than a dozen people were taken into custody, including a minor.
The senator described the raids as indiscriminate. “One was at a grocery store, an apartment complex, and someone simply walking on the side of the street. We are here to show our solidarity and commitment to our people,” she told reporters.
Karina Villa calls out ICE tactics
Standing outside Route 59 and Forest Avenue, Villa broadcasted live as the raids unfolded. In one viral video, she approached an SUV filled with ICE agents and shouted, “Take off your masks!”
According to Storyful, she also urged families watching online to remain calm. “Stay in your houses everyone, and do not come out,” she shouted, warning residents about the masked men she identified as ICE agents.
Her concerns grew after reports surfaced that parents were being targeted during school drop-offs and pick-ups. In response, School District 33 implemented a “secure and teach” protocol, locking school doors while classes continued inside.
ICE responds as Karina Villa doubles down
ICE confirmed the raids were part of “Operation Midway Blitz” and called Villa’s actions “irresponsible and dangerous” for encouraging residents to interfere with enforcement. The agency said several targeted arrests were made, including one individual with a history of violence.
But Villa has continued to criticize the agency and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. “Donald Trump is seeing this community come together and resist and speak up and speak out, that is why he is targeting our cities, our state, our communities,” Villa said, according to Times Now News.
The viral confrontation becomes a symbol
By confronting ICE directly in the streets, Karina Villa became a visible ally for immigrant families in Illinois. The clips of her shouting “Not in my city” have circulated widely, turning her into a symbol of resistance against raids in sanctuary states like Illinois.
While her stance has drawn criticism from ICE officials, for immigrant families in West Chicago, her actions have been a source of protection and solidarity at a moment of fear.
