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Chicagoans have made it clear that President Donald Trump’s threats to send in the National Guard won’t be taken lightly. Since Trump began floating Chicago as the next city for his military occupation project, organizers across the city have clapped back with marches and press conferences, speaking out against his claims that the city is a crime-ridden hellhole.
During a press conference from the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “we’re going in,” though no date has been specified. Local politicians are warning that Chicago could begin seeing the presence of federal agents, namely Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as early as this week. Pritzker is meeting with groups in Pilsen today as the city gears up for celebrations surrounding Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16.
In preparation for whatever Trump sends to Chicago, several nonprofits, grassroots organizations and activists are providing Chicago-area residents with information on how to stay safe during these times.
Trainings and workshops
“No Trump, No Troops” is the name of a set of citywide Know Your Rights trainings being put on by the West-side-based nonprofit Equity and Transformation (EAT) and the Black Voter Project, in collaboration with other organizations.
They’re teaming up with legal groups Westside Justice Center, First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA) and the National Lawyers Guild of Chicago (NLG) to provide attendees with information that includes how to report misconduct by federal troops.
The first sessions will take place on Sept. 6 in West Garfield Park at St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4106 W. Monroe St., from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Sept. 14 session will take place in Englewood at the Go Green Griot Plaza, located at 1201 W. 63rd St.
The trainings are open to all Chicagoans.
Kelly Hayes, a Chicago-based author, organizer and educator, also announced that she would be organizing multiple workshops this week to prepare for the possible military occupation. Those interested can follow Hayes on Bluesky for updates.
The City of Chicago announced the expansion of its Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness Campaign. The initiatives “provide immigrant, refugee, and mixed-status families with tools and resources to prepare in case of family separation due to federal immigration enforcement.” The upgraded website details city services that are available to immigrants, including where to find workshops, guidance on creating safety and communication plans, infographics and other helpful community contacts.
The Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights will host multiple virtual Family Preparedness workshops every Thursday night in September at 6:00 pm. You can register here.
Sign up for text alerts
The Coalition Against the Trump Agenda, which includes over 80 organizations opposing fascist threats of the Trump administration, has created mass text alerts for those interested in messages on live updates related to the federal deployments in Chicago. Those interested can sign up for alerts here.
The Coalition has an emergency protest plan for the arrival of federal troops, should they deploy to Chicago. The plan includes gathering at Ida B Wells and Michigan Avenue at 5:00 p.m. the same day agents are deployed, if they arrive before 3:00 p.m., or the next day at the same intersection at 5:00 p.m. if agents arrive in the city after 3:00 p.m.
Physical media
New York City-based illustrator Megan Piontkowski has created “How to Report ICE” zines that are available to download and print for free.
Piontkowski created the zines for various cities and states, including Chicago, Florida, and the Washington, D.C. metro area. Access to all of the zines has been made available through a Google Drive folder.
