Federal disaster workers surveying storm damage in Chicago were abruptly ordered to stand down earlier this month when their operations threatened to overlap with simultaneous immigration raids in the same area, according to reports.
Disaster Response Disrupted by Immigration Enforcement
On November 6, approximately ten teams comprising around 50 disaster personnel were told to suspend their operations for the day. The decision came after officials realised their presence would coincide with an unexpected contingent of ICE agents conducting patrols in Chicago's affected neighbourhoods.
Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel expressed concerns that the simultaneous presence of immigration enforcement vehicles and disaster assessment teams could spark chaos or conflict, potentially endangering both citizens and government employees. The Washington Post reported that FEMA agents worried the ICE presence would trigger community backlash that could impede their vital damage assessment work.
Background: A Pattern of Diverted Resources
The operational clash occurred despite an alleged warning in October when a FEMA regional administrator reportedly notified the Department of Homeland Security about the planned surveying operations. The disaster personnel were in Chicago because state officials had requested assistance mapping damage after the Trump administration denied an initial appeal for a disaster declaration following summer flooding.
This incident reflects a broader pattern under the current administration, which has been shifting both funds and focus away from disaster aid and toward deportation operations. In August, the White House moved to transfer $155 million from FEMA to pay for immigration detention space.
Consequences for Flood-Affected Communities
The decision to pull back disaster teams meant they reportedly did not return to parts of Gage Park, one of the areas hardest hit by the July and August flooding. Residents in this neighbourhood have been struggling with sewer backups and mould in the wake of the severe weather.
The federal government has been surging immigration agents in the Chicago area since September as part of "Operation Midway Blitz," a initiative that has faced regular protests from community members and advocacy groups.
This is not the first instance where immigration enforcement has intersected with disaster response. In a separate August case, Border Patrol agents detained a firefighter in Washington who was actively involved in battling disasters.
The Independent has contacted FEMA, DHS and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for comment on these developments.
