Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced the start of an ICE operation in Chicago to target undocumented immigrants with criminal records. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Department of Homeland Security released the names of 13 alleged offenders it said had been arrested at the start of the sweep.
The Chronicle could only find six of them in the online detainee locator system, although there was no information about when or where they were arrested to confirm that they were picked up as part of “Operation Midway Blitz.”
That’s important because of the false information from the administration about Chicago’s crime rate and because of the lack of collaboration with local authorities.
The city already had been bracing for a possible deployment of the National Guard troops, sparking fear among students, as the Chronicle previously reported. The troops so far have not arrived, and President Trump seems to have pivoted from Chicago to New Orleans.
The college sent out an email last week acknowledging the anxiety that the potential for National Guard troops or ICE raids could have on the campus community. It offered safety and support resources for students, encouraged them to visit the Center for Student Wellbeing and shared information about immigration rights.
The college said it was “closely monitoring” the situation, which is all it can do. Federal law enforcement is not coordinating with local law enforcement or campus security. Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement this week that the federal government had not informed him about the operation, which is something that typically would happen.
While there is still a lot of confusion surrounding an expanded ICE presence and the potential for the National Guard in the city, the college can control how it supports its students. Continuing cultural events like the celebration Hispanic Heritage Month is one way to affirm a sense of belonging for students.
Columbia also can continue offering resources that connect students with counseling and factual resources, while student leaders can create spaces for open dialogue and solidarity to those who may be struggling.
The college has no control over what is happening, but it can strengthen its own community by protecting spaces where students feel safe and supported. In moments when fear is meant to divide us, Columbia can prove that connection is stronger than confusion.
Columbia’s best defense is solidarity amongst the campus community.
Copy edited by Matt Brady
