Chicago Community Urges Property Owner to Prevent ICE Use of Parking Lot

Residents and officials in Chicago's Southwest Side are urging Friedman Real Estate to prevent federal immigration agents from utilizing the Yards Plaza parking lot at 4636 S. Damen Ave. for enforcement operations. Local organizers report that the lot has been frequently used by agents to detain individuals and stage operations.

At a press conference held adjacent to the lot, Corina Pedraza of the Southwest Side Rapid Response Team stated, "Friedman, we want you to kick ICE out of your property today." The team has been documenting ICE activities to protect community members. Friedman Real Estate has not responded to requests for comment.

This appeal follows Mayor Brandon Johnson's recent executive order restricting federal agents from using city-owned properties for immigration enforcement. The city is encouraging private property owners to join this initiative by displaying signs indicating their participation. Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) contacted Friedman Real Estate approximately two weeks ago, requesting they deny entry to immigration agents. According to Ramirez, the company declined and expressed a preference that neighbors refrain from filming federal agents. Ramirez emphasized that Friedman properties could utilize private security to inform agents they are not permitted to stage operations on the premises.

Community members are also calling on other businesses, such as Home Depot and Walmart, to prevent their properties from being used by immigration agents. Reports indicate that federal agents have detained individuals in Home Depot parking lots, areas frequented by immigrants seeking construction work.

The Yards Plaza houses businesses including Planet Fitness, Dollar Tree, and Taco Bell. It is located across from Back of the Yards College Preparatory and near Agustin Lara Academy and the Back of the Yards public library. Yesenia Lopez, a member of the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education representing the 7th District, expressed concern that the presence of armed ICE agents across from schools is impacting students, stating, "That is impacting our students... That's not safety, that's intimidation."

Ald. Ramirez noted that Southwest Side neighborhoods have been significantly affected by recent immigration enforcement operations, with masked and sometimes armed federal agents employing tactics that have disrupted daily life. ICE field director Russell Hott reported that over 1,000 individuals have been arrested under Operation Midway Blitz, with several thousand still wanted.

Local rapid response teams plan to continue verifying ICE agent sightings, documenting their tactics, and educating residents about their rights. Pedraza emphasized the community's commitment to resisting and holding business owners accountable for their stance on ICE activities.