During the heightened alarm around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting mass arrests of undocumented people in Chicago, two local community organizations are facing threats and harassment for their pro-immigration work.
In an Instagram post on Jan. 25, members of Healthy Hood wrote that their organization received “two serious security threats.” An individual — who was experiencing a mental crisis — attempted to set fire to “the parsonage,” and two Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters from Frontline America — a conservative news website—- live-streamed outside of “our church, “calling us a threat due to our stance on issues like immigration,” according to Healthy Hood’s social media post.
A video posted on social media shows Ben Bergquam, Frontline America director and correspondent for Real America’s Voice News, asking questions to longtime community organizer Emma Lozano, who is also newly appointed to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education. The Frontline crew become audibly upset when Lozano and another person won’t answer their questions and the cameraman begins filming the license plate of the car they drive away in. [Editor’s Note: The TRiiBE isn’t posting a link to the video to protect the safety of vulnerable communities].
The TRiiBE reached out to Healthy Hood co-founder and CEO Tanya Lozano and Joline Lozano, a board director at Healthy Hood, but neither could be reached for comment. In 2019, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that four men dressed in MAGA gear, including Bergquam, argued with residents in Pilsen outside of the church.
In a Jan. 28 Instagram post, Pilsen Food Pantry shared that one of their volunteers, who is an immigrant, received a text message from an anonymous number, telling them to “Go back to your f—- country… Before I give your address to ICE.”
Dr. Evelyn Figueroa, director of Pilsen Food Pantry, said they receive disparaging or threatening messages at least once a quarter, whether through Google reviews, social media messages, or in-person. About a week ago, a client — who Figueroa identified as a Black man — publicly threatened staff by saying they would call ICE on them.
“The mindset that there isn’t enough for everyone is what bothers me. We don’t hold the people accountable who are really withholding resources, and then we’re all fighting for the scraps,” Figueroa said.
Figueroa, who also works as a medical doctor and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said she has not reported these incidents to the police.
“People would tell my grandma to speak English. This type of thing gets me very mad. They used to say that to her all the time when I was a kid, and I hated it,” she said.
Figueroa, who is Puerto Rican, is speaking out about the threatening text message because she is deeply troubled by the messages. She founded the Pilsen Food Pantry in 2017. In addition to providing fresh produce, the Pilsen Food Pantry also offers a free medical clinic, distributes clothing and caters to a diverse community, including Latinx, Asian, Black and white residents citywide.
Both organizations are adding more security measures. Healthy Hood, in their post, is asking for donations to establish 24-hour surveillance at their site. Here is the link to donate.
“People are very emboldened. We already have radio walkie-talkies, so we can call out if we need help,” Figueroa said.
In the early aughts of President Donald Trump’s second term, there have been attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), transgender rights and environmental justice. Chicago organizers are leaning on each other to keep its communities safe during rising threats of fascism and racism.
According to Leo Pargo, a community organizer with the RevCom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity, this moment calls for a renewed push for safety and coalition building.
“For all of the decent people and Black people included, when you see them [the Trump administration] coming after people with their whole White supremacist program, what are you going to do?” Pargo said, rhetorically. “Are you going to fall in line? Or are you gonna actually fight to put an end to what you and the immigrants are being put through?
What is considered a crime or who’s considered a criminal in the U.S. is dependent on who’s in power, Pargo said.
“Next week, there’ll be a new line of ‘criminals’ that they’re coming after. And before too long, Black people will be on the chopping block or LGBTQ people,” Pargo continued. “This is fascism unleashed.”

When it comes to protections for immigrant communities, who seek out their services, she explained the Pilsen Food Pantry is distributing “Know Your Rights” cards. Additionally, she has been helping migrants rehearse scenarios involving ICE raids, ensuring they know how to respond if they encounter ICE.
Recent ICE raids in Chicago have left some immigrants feeling scared to go to school, work or even to the grocery store. In response to that, Figueroa said they will organize grocery pick-up and delivery for people in need. Information for anyone who’s interested in volunteering or donating funds can be found here.
Since Jan. 21, the day after Trump’s inauguration, Pargo and other members of the RevCom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity have been patrolling Pilsen and Little Village in shifts. This action falls in line with an ongoing mantra of Chicago organizers heard aloud at protests and other movement actions, “we keep each other safe.”
“We are looking for unmarked vans, trucks, things we would perceive to be ICE and we investigate,” Pargo explained. “But if it came down to us coming across a scene [with agents present], we would observe and make sure that they are not violating any rights of people that they would be trying to detain. And, if necessary, if a situation like that happened, we would intervene and prevent them from doing that.”

Pargo, along with other organizers, provided support outside of Hamline Elementary School on Jan. 24 after Chicago Public Schools officials reported that ICE agents tried to enter the school; however, news outlets later reported that it U.S. Secret Service agents who were there on a non-immigration related matter. They distributed “Know Your Rights” pamphlets outside the school.
“People have to find their courage in the streets with others to be able to strengthen all of this,” Pargo said. “This has to grow around the country. It matters that people are taking action.
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