Chicagoans Rise Up: Buying Out Street Vendors Amid Immigration Crackdown

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In the face of a federal immigration crackdown, Chicago's Latino neighborhoods have been hit hard. Street vendors, fearing arrest, have been forced to stay indoors, leaving empty streets and struggling businesses behind. However, a grassroots movement has emerged, with local residents stepping up to support their beloved vendors. Neighborhoods are organizing 'buy out' events, where volunteers pool their money to purchase all of a vendor's stock, allowing them to take a break from selling and avoid potential detention. Community organizers like Rick Rosales, of Cycling x Solidarity, lead these efforts, often to the vendors' surprise. 'You saved my life,' a tamale vendor told Rosales after being spared from immigration agents. 'This is about food, joy, and bike rides, but it's also about high stakes because of the fear in our communities.' At least 10 street vendors have been detained, and more are likely to be targeted. Maria Orozco, outreach organizer for the Street Vendors Association of Chicago, fears that losing these vendors will not only hurt the economy but also the city's cultural fabric. 'They bring life, color, and flavor to our streets,' Orozco said. 'They preserve culinary traditions and build a sense of community.' To support vendors, the Street Vendors Association has launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $300,000. Local businesses have also hosted pop-up events, directing proceeds to vendors. Community organizers like Alonso Zaragoza, executive administrator of his neighborhood advocacy group, have organized restaurant crawls to draw customers to struggling eateries. As Delilah Martinez, a community organizer and owner of the Vault Gallerie in Pilsen, said, 'The financial support for our businesses is needed more than ever now. It goes such a long way.' In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Martinez and her team have been 'buying out' vendors, handing them cash and essentials like mixers and ovens. For one baker, the support was a lifeline: 'It's beautiful,' he said, clutching a mixer attachment to his chest. As the city's residents continue to rally behind their vendors, one thing is clear: the spirit of community and resilience will not be silenced by fear.