HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

ICE raids fear drains $1.26 billion from Chicago-area businesses, study finds

Location: Chicago, IL

A University of Illinois Chicago study found that fear of ICE raids beginning in early 2025 caused a sharp drop in movement between immigrant and non-immigrant neighborhoods in Cook County. Researchers estimate the resulting decline in retail and restaurant visits cost local businesses about $1.26 billion and cost Illinois $107 million in lost tax revenue. The effect persisted for a year, challenging assumptions that immigrant communities are economically isolated from the broader area.

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