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.

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.

Fears over possible ICE raids have heightened across the U.S., causing one of Chicago’s largest Mexican-American communities to turn into a ghost town. (Fox 32 Chicago)

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 monitoring for immigration arrests said they had seen no activity, but the threat of deportations continues and the local community should remain alert.