Business leaders and employers across the United States, including in Chicago, are raising alarms over immigration raids as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement his mass deportation policy.
The incoming administration is expected to conduct raids in major cities like Chicago.
"Mass deportations could lead to labor shortages impacting the economic success and operational efficiencies of restaurants across Illinois," Sam Toia, CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, told Newsweek.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump administration for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Mass deportations, curbing illegal immigration and enforcing border security were a centerpiece of Trump's 2024 election campaign.
Trump, who has vowed to carry out the largest deportation program in American history, is expected to sign a raft of executive orders within hours of being inaugurated on January 20.
What To Know
A key aspect of Trump's immigration policy is the removal of millions of undocumented immigrants, prioritizing those who have committed crimes.
However, critics argue that his plan for mass deportations could severely cripple the U.S. economy.
Since Trump's victory in November, the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) has conducted dozens of in-person and virtual training sessions with over a thousand employers to prepare for the sweeps.
If ICE agents arrive, businesses should request a warrant signed by a judge before allowing entry. Employers have 72 hours to provide the requested documentation, giving them time to avoid rushing, according to Shi. They can then contact attorneys to ensure they have all the necessary paperwork, including I-9 forms and other required information.
Business leaders are concerned that some foreign-born employees may skip work to avoid contact with ICE.
Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of ABIC, told Newsweek the raids will "disrupt" the workforce in Chicago.
Sam Sanchez, the owner of Third Coast Hospitality and a member of the coalition and the National Restaurant Association board, believes the upcoming sweeps will focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records, a move he supports. However, he pointed out that there's no way to know if any of his employees have a criminal history or are on ICE's list.
The American Immigration Council estimates that the mass deportation policy could slap a one-time cost of $315 billion on the United States. Moreover, deporting 1 million individuals yearly could result in annual expenses reaching up to $88 billion.
Meanwhile, Trump's designated border czar, Tom Homan, said the administration will initially need $86 billion from Congress to conduct mass deportations.
White House officials told Newsweek that the president-elect is set to announce sweeping immigration reforms later today, including signing 10 executive orders to tighten border security and crack down on illegal immigration.
It involves deploying U.S. troops to the southern border, ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, dismantling programs initiated under outgoing President Joe Biden, and taking steps to target transnational criminal gangs, incoming White House officials said.
What People Are Saying
American Business Immigration Coalition Executive Director Rebecca Shi told Newsweek: "Hard-working and law-abiding immigrants drive our economy, keep costs down for consumers, and strengthen our communities. The expected raids in workplaces across the Chicago area will disrupt our workforce and delay day-to-day operations. While it's past time for Washington to address our broken immigration system, we need to make sure our businesses, hardworking employees, and consumers do not suffer in the process."
"People are really worried. And I think that at the end of the day, it is, you know, like an opportunity that we should come together, and Congress needs to do its job and actually fix this."
Sam Sánchez, owner of Third Coast Hospitality, National Restaurant Association board member, and cochair of Comité de 100, told Newsweek: "As a Chicago restaurant owner, I know firsthand that nearly a quarter of employees in our industry come from immigrant communities. When the U.S. already faces a workforce shortage, businesses like mine rely on immigrant workers to help us thrive. Securing our borders is vital, and so is protecting our workforce.
Sam Toia, CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, told Newsweek: "To feed a growing population, we need both Americans and immigrants to fill essential roles in the food service industry. Mass deportations could lead to labor shortages impacting the economic success and operational efficiencies of restaurants across Illinois."
What Happens Next
Trump is expected to sign more than 200 executive orders just hours after assuming office on Monday. His initial actions will focus on tackling illegal immigration and enhancing border security, laying the groundwork for widespread deportations.
The incoming administration is expected to carry out raids in major cities such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami.
Newsweek will be on the ground to report the latest from Chicago.
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