Chicagoans Call Out ICE and Home Depot in Defense of Day Laborers

Latest

chicagoans gather at a Home Depot to defend day laborers
Elected officials, musicians, organizers, and community members gather outside a Home Depot at Cicero Avenue and Armitage Avenue in Chicago on Nov. 1, 2025, to show solidarity with skilled workers and urge the company to protect day laborers from ICE while they seek work on its premises. Home Depot has faced criticism for remaining silent as federal agents reportedly detained workers and conducted raids outside its stores, while the company’s founders have been vocal supporters of President Donald Trump. Photo/Andres A. Chavez

Community residents, union members, and elected officials gathered outside a Home Depot on Cicero and Armitage in Chicago Nov. 1 to ask for solidarity with Day Laborers facing threats daily from federal agents participating in Operation Midway Blitz, and for Home Depot to take a stance and to not allow agents to conduct immigration detentions on its property.

The demonstration, organized by the Latino Union of Chicago, featured musicians, and speakers from the organization, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, and Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez.

Home Depot has been criticized for their compliance with the immigration raids occurring outside of their facilities. Undocumented day laborers and skilled workers historically have used the company’s parking lot as a hub to find work, making them especially vulnerable to raids and detentions by ICE and Border Patrol.

“Our spirit will not be broken because we take care of each other,” Congresswoman Delia Ramirez said as a final remark to cheers from the crowd.

chicagoans gather at a Home Depot to show solidarity with day laborers
A demonstrator holds a sign that reads “Fuera ICE,” which translates to “ICE out,” during a rally outside a Home Depot at Cicero Avenue and Armitage Avenue in Chicago on Nov. 1, 2025. As detentions increase across the Chicago metropolitan area, members of the Latino community mobilize to show solidarity with day laborers and undocumented workers. Photo/Andres A. Chavez
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Pearson’s TN Win Rebukes Corporate Dems & Attack on Voting Rights

The decisive victory of Justin Pearson in the Tennessee Democratic congressional primary marked a rebuke of both the corporate Democrats and the attack on the Voting Rights Act.

Citizens United Takes a Hit in Michigan Primary

In electing Abdul El-Sayed, voters rejected money in politics, defeating the pro-Israel and corporate funded campaign of his opponent in the amount of $70 million, making it among the most ever spent in a Democratic Party primary!

Death Toll Expected to Rise: Justice for Those in Detention

Detainees in ICE detention are pleading for help due to inhumane conditions. Now, as of August 4, 2026, at least 24 detainees have died in custody this year alone.

Minnesota Trade Unionists Among Those Targeted; Feds Indict ICE Observers

Minnesota trade unionists are among 15 people indicted by the federal government, as part of a crackdown on organizing in opposition to the ICE and Border Patrol. Support is needed.

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”

More from the People's Tribune