Esteban Rodriguez: Cicero’s residents are particularly vulnerable under Donald Trump’s agenda

Across the country, communities are on edge as immigration enforcement intensifies under Donald Trump’s administration. The raids over the weekend have dominated headlines and conversations between family members, leaving many of us wondering if our neighborhood will be next. In Cicero, the harsh reality many are facing is that the town is not a sanctuary city.

For me, a resident and lifelong Ciceronian, the situation grew even more alarming last week when news broke that a U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained during a raid in Newark, New Jersey.



The individual, a military veteran, was swept up without cause. Weren’t these operations supposed to target only undocumented individuals with serious criminal records? This action is a stark reminder of the chaos and recklessness these operations have shown in the past — chaos that now threatens to repeat itself. If citizens aren’t safe, what does that say about the length authorities are willing to go in their crackdown on undocumented immigrants? And while the weight of these policies is felt nationwide, their impact is particularly devastating in places such as Cicero — where I grew up and now raise my family — where the risks are especially dire.

Cicero is a vibrant town directly west of Chicago and has long been a cornerstone of culture, community and economic activity in Illinois. With nearly 90% of the population identifying as Latino, the town thrives on the contributions of all its residents and particularly its Hispanic residents who have made it a well-known Hispanic enclave, not just locally but at a national level. Yet, beneath the surface of this thriving community is a deep sense of fear.

Parents worry about dropping their children off at school, unsure if they’ll be able to pick them up. Workers hesitate to leave for their jobs, uncertain if they’ll return home to their families. These fears aren’t just theoretical; they’ve been part of our past and have resurfaced in the immediate present.

This daily reality is not sustainable, and it starkly contrasts with the hope and resilience that Cicero’s residents have always embodied. Today, Cicero remains ground zero as the most vulnerable town in Illinois during immigration raids. With the highest percentage of undocumented immigrants per capita in the state, it has become a critical target for enforcement operations.

In part, this is because unlike many other municipalities in Illinois, we don’t have real sanctuary city protection. Sanctuary cities adopt policies to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, giving undocumented residents a sense of security. But Cicero has no such safeguards.

The reason can be attributed to Cicero’s longtime town president, Larry Dominick. Known for his anti-immigrant stance, Dominick has ensured that Cicero remains a place where immigrants lack the basic protections they need. Nonetheless, you’d think that with so many immigrant families and such visible vulnerabilities, other elected leaders would be stepping up to protect our community.

Surely, Latino elected officials — many of whom know firsthand the struggles this community faces — would step in to defend their constituents, right? Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. Instead, their inaction seems tainted by Dominick’s old-school politics, leaving the community without the support it desperately needs. For years, Dominick has ruled Cicero with the kind of political machine tactics that prioritize power over people.

His legacy is marred by corruption, from lawsuits alleging racial discrimination to allegations of misusing public funds. Despite these scandals, Dominick has maintained control through patronage, intimidation and backroom deals. This has created a climate where challenging him feels politically risky, leaving many of our local leaders — our heroes — silent, complicit or too fearful to act.

Related Articles Commentary | Editorial: Amid a culture of fear, facts matter now more than ever Commentary | Stan Chu Ilo: I became an American citizen a day after Donald Trump’s inauguration Today, I’m calling on our elected officials to rise above politics and confront the human cost of inaction, even if it feels politically perilous. Whether it’s advocating for sanctuary protections, supporting immigrant rights organizations or holding local leaders accountable, there are countless ways to make a difference. Our community is under siege, and every moment of delay puts more families at risk of being torn apart.

This isn’t just about policies; it’s about people — our neighbors, friends and families who deserve to live without fear. Let this be the moment we show that unity and compassion are stronger than fear and indifference. The time to act is now.

Together, we can restore trust, protect our neighbors and ensure that every family — regardless of their status — can live with dignity and peace. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to make a difference. Esteban Rodriguez is a non-for-profit professional and devoted Ciceronian who is running to unseat a 20-year incumbent as the new town president of Cicero.

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