Chicago vigil responds to ICE shooting deaths, renewed traffic stop policy

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 10:19PM CT
CHICAGO (WLS) -- President Donald Trump's decision to reverse a temporary pause on ICE-related traffic stops is drawing anger and determination from some Chicago residents, who gathered in Little Village for a candlelight vigil following two fatal shootings involving immigration enforcement operations.

The vigil came after the deaths of Johan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, both of whom were shot during encounters with immigration authorities.



"Behind every headline there is a human being, a family, and a community that's forever changed," said Marcela Rodriguez, executive director of Enlace Chicago.

Guerrero was shot and killed in Maine during an immigration enforcement operation.



His death occurred less than a week after Salgado Araujo was killed by agents in Houston.

At the vigil, speakers urged residents to channel their frustration into community action.

"I urge you in this time of frustration and sadness that we all feel that you get organized to defend our communities," said Gio Araugo of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Both men were shot in their vehicles during traffic stops. The incidents prompted the Department of Homeland Security to temporarily suspend most vehicle stops by ICE.

"Until questions are answered about both of these shootings ... it makes sense to have a halt in this technique," U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said.

RELATED | Expert weighs in on ICE pausing vehicle stops after deadly shootings, including one in Franklin Park

Trump later reversed the pause, writing on social media that "...we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.'s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!"



Community leaders in Little Village said they remain focused on supporting residents and promoting unity.

"I don't know if he's really hateful against our community, but you fight hate with love," said Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council.

The afternoon vigil near the Little Village arch included prayers for people targeted by ICE. Organizers also emphasized solidarity within the neighborhood.



"Our community does such a great job of organizing, that they know, even if we're under attack, the entire community comes out for each other," said Chela Garcia, head organizer for the Little Village Community Council.

Organizers also distributed alert whistles and encouraged neighbors to use them if they see ICE in the community.
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