CHICAGO — On a recent morning, the bustling Little Village neighborhood of Chicago was a scene of both community and tension. Ofelia Herrera and her husband Rafael Hernandez, who live in the U.S. without legal status, embraced their routine despite a heavy presence of Border Patrol agents. For 18 years, they have served up Mexican-style corn on the cob and refreshing aguas frescas in this vibrant immigrant hub.
While many in the immigrant community have retreated indoors out of fear, the couple risks it all, aiming to stand strong against an immigration enforcement initiative that has left others gripped by anxiety. The only thing you can do is have faith in God and not be afraid, said Herrera, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy.
The food stand is one of many along the busy street filled with family-run businesses, where ranchera music fills the air, and the spirit of the community remains alive. Despite the ongoing crackdown leading to arrests in their neighborhood, Herrera and Hernandez continue their work, embodying resilience and hope.
They recount their journeys from Mexico, crossing the border through treacherous deserts, and settling in Chicago. Living with uncertainty, they remain unwilling to be silenced, seeking to share their narrative to foster understanding amidst heightened tensions.
With sales plummeting due to fear brought on by immigration raids, the couple has considered pursuing legal status but face financial barriers. Still, they strive to keep their business afloat, often working long hours and navigating threats that cloud their daily lives.
Their story is not just about survival; it is a testament to the strength of immigrant communities in the face of adversity. As Herrera stated, “People are frightened because they have lives here, they have kids here.” They are ready to face whatever the future holds, yet hope to remain in Chicago, where they have built their lives.
