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More than 50,000 runners from more than 100 countries will descend on the Windy City this weekend For the Chicago Marathon, A world-renowned breed that contributes millions of dollars to the local economy every year.
There is excitement as the city prepares for Sunday’s races, where athletes will break world records in front of millions of people.
But Chicago is also in the news for a different reason: President Donald Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” That led to an influx of immigration law enforcement into the city and immigration raids and arrests became a daily occurrence.
The raids have spread fear in Chicago communities, especially Latino neighborhoods. This sense of foreboding was spreading among marathon runners this week, too.
Instead of sharing excitement about sightseeing on the route or meeting finish times, social media was awash with minority runners’ fears of being snatched by agents potentially stationed on the route, plans to run with passports in their bags, and debates about running.
There were concerns from participants and their families planning to travel from abroad – Chicago Welcomes About this 10,000 international runners Every year – but also from other parts of the US and the Windy City. Independent Organizers of the Chicago Marathon have been contacted for comment.
on sunday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that Trump has ordered troops from the Texas National Guard to be deployed to the state, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem compared Chicago to a “war zone” when she was there last week. On Thursday, a judge halted the National Guard effort for two weeks — but ICE can continue its operations.
“We must now start calling it what it is: Trump’s invasion,” Pritzker said.
A few days later, Johnson signed an “ICE-free zone”. executive Orderwhich prohibits federal immigration agents from using any city-owned property in their operations.
The 26.2-mile route, one of the 7 Abbott World Marathon major events that make up the World Championships, passes through 29 neighborhoods, including locations where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are conducting raids.
Meanwhile, an unverified post on social media by a man claiming to work for the Chicago Park District added to the panic. “We were informed today that ICE will be present throughout the marathon and are asked not to interfere,” the anonymous note said.
Chicago Park District issued a statement Rebuke on the post. “Contrary to a post circulating on social media, @ChicagoParks has not received any information nor has the District shared any guidance regarding ICE agents at @chimaathon,” the agency said.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not respond when asked. Independent How its operations could impact marathon weekend.
Democratic Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois’s 4th District, who has run the Chicago Marathon three times, told Independent The enthusiasm of the runners always inspires them and the event showcases the beauty and hospitality of the city.
Garcia said, “ICE is not welcome at the Marathon. President Trump and Secretary Noem are infiltrating peaceful and safe community spaces and creating dangerous and violent situations. Their purpose is to control and intimidate. To all my fellow Chicagoans and our visitors, Chicago is a welcoming city that does not bow to the desire to be king.”
As fears grew, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson encouraged foreign runners to compete.
“We’ve got news that almost 3,000 runners from Mexico have signed up for this marathon and I want them all to come,” Johnson said at a news conference Tuesday. “I believe the best way to demonstrate resistance is not to succumb to tyranny.”
But some international racegoers are concerned about the event in the days leading up to it and anti-immigration activity.
Still, the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda is giving some marathon runners doubt ahead of this weekend.
According to messages shared on social media, a handful said they were considering skipping the race altogether, while others planned to run with their passports as a precaution.
“My husband and I are coming to run the Chicago Marathon in two weeks. We will be flying in from Canada on visitor visas. We are both brown/Asian,” one runner shared on Reddit. “Should we abandon our race (this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to race in a major event as I have never qualified before and may never qualify again)) due to the ICE situation?”
Some said the fears were “grossly exaggerated”, while others expressed incredulity. One Reddit user replied, “It’s absolutely crazy that this is a conversation that needs to be had.”
“I’m so sorry you had to deal with this,” said another.
Others in the US took to social media platforms to express their concerns ahead of the marathon.
“This is my first marathon and I’m super excited for it, but I can’t help but be worried about ICE, especially with my family watching it,” one person wrote, adding that his relatives plan to watch primarily in Pilsen. mainly Hispanic neighborhood.
Another wrote: “I’m running the Chicago Marathon next weekend (so excited!) but after seeing more news about ICE activity in Chicago lately I’m a little worried. I’m Latino (I’m here legally) but you know how it is, sometimes they target people just based on their looks. I really don’t want to deal with any racist stuff, especially On race weekend.”
Yet another asked for advice on his friend’s behalf: “My friend has been working out since January to prepare for the Chicago Marathon. He’s lost 25 pounds, completed a 20-mile long run, and even completed a 70-mile training week. His goal is sub-3 hours – dude has worked hard and he deserves it. But with the increasing number of ICEs in Chicago, he’s working harder.”
Some people have even contacted law firms in the city ahead of time so that nothing happens.
Another race-goer said, “I’m asking to move my bid to next year if that’s a possibility because of the fear of ICE.” “Also contacted a Chicago law firm while I’m there; and they are able to help, but only if someone is taken into custody.”
One veteran marathon runner said ICE’s ongoing arrests were “hardly a warm welcome” for participants in the prestigious race.
“Today ICE and federal agents were marching through River North, the Loop, and Miracle Mile – all neighborhoods where the race passes,” the runner said in a Facebook post. “They were also making arrests in Millennium Park where the race starts. Hardly a warm welcome for the Abbott World Marathon chief.”
Others said they would run with recognition on race day. “I plan to keep my passport in my bag and walk,” said another. “I find recent events appalling for international participants.”
Another runner said, “Unfortunately, I’m planning on taking my passport card with me which is absolutely unbelievable.”
On Sunday, the Portland Marathon saw 12,000 participants run past the city’s ICE facility without incident. The event came amid Trump’s attempt to deploy the Oregon National Guard, which was blocked by a judge after the state backed down. The Trump administration now intends to move hundreds of federal troops from California and Texas to Portland.