Large, newly posted signs at the entrance to the Alsip Swap-O-Rama read: “No ICE Access in This Business.”
The warnings, printed in both English and Spanish, say immigration agents are not permitted to enter without a valid judicial warrant. They also state that vendors and visitors have the right to remain silent. A worker said the signs were new, added after the federal raid at the flea market’s Ashland Avenue location on Oct. 16.
On a weekday visit to the Alsip market at 4350 W. 129th St., the front parking lot was mostly empty. Only a few vendors were operating in the back section, and several booths were unstaffed. Foot traffic was light.
“It’s sorta dry,” one worker said, referring to the turnout. When asked about the Ashland raid, he said, “They haven’t got us. They only got Ash.” He declined to give his name and noted there was a manager’s office inside. It was closed at the time, and a follow-up email to the market has not been returned.
Ashland raid details
On Thursday, Oct. 16, agents with the Department of Homeland Security detained more than a dozen people at the Ashland Swap-O-Rama, located at 4100 S. Ashland Ave. The operation was part of a broader enforcement effort known as Operation Midway Blitz, according to DHS. Officials said the targets were individuals with prior criminal records.
Chicago Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) was on-site during the raid and later said the action had deeply unsettled vendors and shoppers. Co-owner Ted Joseph told another outlet that agents threatened to arrest private security if they intervened.
The Ashland location on its Facebook page promised financial relief, added security and a commitment to the community.
It promised a 50% discount on vendor fees for the month of November and a $2 admission fee at all locations starting this weekend.
Additional security personnel will be at all markets, and staff have completed training on proper protocols.
Swap-O-Rama is partnering with Ramirez’s office for ongoing support.
Vendor response in Alsip
No enforcement action has taken place in Alsip, but the signs, the lighter vendor presence and the mood suggest otherwise. Some vendors worked quietly under canopies or out of open trunks. A few shoppers browsed, but the usual buzz was missing.
Turnout may have been light for a number of reasons, but the new signs, the subdued atmosphere and how quickly vendors brought up Ashland suggest the effects of that raid are being felt in Alsip, too.
Only concerned about loosing business. Ice will just hang out in the parking lot. Dont be fooled.
Losing*