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Large groups of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents patrolled Downtown Chicago on Sunday, detaining a family at Millennium Park. Local officials condemned the militarized presence, with Mayor Brandon Johnson calling it a "brazen provocation" by the Trump administration. Witnesses reported armed officers intimidating residents as they marched through high-traffic areas.
Federal authorities intensified their actions in Broadview, arresting a journalist and deploying chemical weapons against protesters after the mayor criticized ICE's tactics. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson urged the Department of Homeland Security to cease using chemical arms against residents, which she labeled as "making war" on the community. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
A shooting in Uptown killed an 18-year-old man and injured a 27-year-old woman late Friday night. This marks the second teen fatality in the neighborhood in less than two weeks, following the murder of a 17-year-old boy earlier this month. Police have not made any arrests in connection to either incident.
A five-story apartment building has been approved for construction on the site of the former Stage 773 in Lakeview, which will feature 40 apartments and retail space. This development aims to revitalize a long-dormant property on Belmont Avenue that once served as a thriving theater.
The Latina Comedy Festival returns to Logan Square from October 2-4, featuring 50 performers across 20 shows, including three performances in Spanish. Associate producer Jessi Realz emphasized the festival's role in attracting diverse audiences and uplifting Latina voices in comedy. Tickets are available online for approximately $24 each.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson condemned federal agents for using tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters at an ICE facility, claiming their actions endanger the community. Thompson demanded the removal of a fence blocking access to the facility, which she called illegal and harmful. She urged federal officials to stop their aggressive tactics and adopt a more compassionate approach.
Bruce Sagan, a prominent Hyde Park newspaperman and arts patron, died at 96 after a brief battle with cancer. He founded the Hyde Park Herald and played a key role in relocating the Joffrey Ballet to Chicago. Sagan received a National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden in 2024.
Neighbors in Back of the Yards rallied to support local tamale vendor Laura Murillo after her arrest by ICE agents. Organizers raised funds by selling her tamales, emphasizing community solidarity against federal immigration enforcement targeting undocumented individuals. Over 500 arrests have occurred in the Chicago area since the start of recent immigration operations.
Tensions escalated outside an ICE facility in Chicago this week, coinciding with events like a historic river swim and Riot Fest. Block Club Chicago reporters captured these moments, highlighting the city's vibrant community engagement.
Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) opposes a proposed 48-unit apartment building in Edgebrook, citing community concerns about traffic and neighborhood character. The project, presented by Drexel Properties, drew mixed reactions during a packed community meeting.