In brief
Ofelia Herrera and Rafael Hernandez, undocumented immigrants in Chicago’s Little Village, refuse to yield to the fear caused by intensified immigration enforcement. For 18 years, they have maintained their food stand, which serves traditional Mexican dishes, as they navigate life under the shadow of potential deportation. Their commitment to work not only provides for their family but also serves as a source of mental resilience against the prevailing climate of fear among many immigrants in the city. While their sales have plummeted due to the crackdown, the couple expresses hope and determination to stay in the United States for the sake of their children and community.
CHICAGO (AP) — In the heart of Little Village, a vibrant Mexican immigrant neighborhood in Chicago, Ofelia Herrera and her husband Rafael Hernandez remain undeterred by the increased presence of Border Patrol agents. Operating their food stand, which serves Mexican-style corn and aguas frescas, they've maintained their routines despite the fear gripping the community.
A recent immigration enforcement initiative has driven many immigrants indoors, but Herrera, 47, and Hernandez, 44, have kept their spirits high, emphasizing that work helps them combat the anxiety and depression that has affected others around them.
“You cannot live in fear,” Herrera stated during an interview at their home, adorned early with Christmas decorations. “We must have faith and push forward.”
Despite the crackdowns, their stand buzzes with activity. The area, filled with family-owned shops and lively vendors, continues to draw locals eager to enjoy cultural staples like tacos and fresh corn. However, the couple has seen their daily sales drop by about 75% since the commencement of immigration operations in September, affecting their livelihood deeply.
Friends and neighbors reluctant to venture outdoors have sparked a grassroots movement to buy out local street vendors to diminish their exposure to raids. Alongside their struggles, Herrera and Hernandez reflect on the traumatic experiences of fellow vendors who have faced arrests based on their immigration status.
The couple migrated separately from Mexico, crossing borders at great personal risk. They share a common story of making their way to Chicago as their permanent residence, aiming to provide a better life for their U.S.-born children, who remain largely unaware of the dangerous realities their parents face.
As fears about deportation loom, the couple contemplates legal options for status but feels helpless without the financial means to pursue legal counsel. They hold onto the hope that the city they cherish can offer stability, safety, and opportunities for their family, even amidst a backdrop of evolving immigration policies.
“We are prepared to go back to Mexico if necessary, but we don’t want to,” Herrera said, articulating the anxiety shared by countless families affected by the current situation. “What we want is to live with dignity and to provide for our children.”
