CHICAGO (WLS) — Businesses in Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods are stepping up to raise money for an organization that bonds immigrants out of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers.
The flour keeps flowing in the kitchen of a family-owned Mexican bakery. Grecia’s has two locations: the original in Gage Park and other in suburban Summit. Co-owner Maria Ortega says every baked good is her Mexican immigrant father’s homemade recipe.
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“He came here looking for the American dream, better opportunities for the family, himself. I think he has been very successful,” Ortega said.
Ortega says it is time for her family to share that success. Last weekend, Grecia’s donated 10% of its sales to the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund, an organization with the single purpose of paying for ICE detainees’ bonds.
“We were able to raise close to $3,000 just this weekend alone,” Ortega said.
Ortega says the bakery plans to do it again next Sunday. The Midwest Immigration Bond fund began in 2020. It posts bonds for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
“The lowest bond can be $1,500. There is no maximum, and they must be paid 100%, in full. And in order to pay it, you need to be either a U.S. citizen, or a legal, permanent resident, or a 501, c3,” said Rafael Rodriguez with the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund.
Rodriguez says while Chicago immigration courts tend to set bonds on the lower end, courts in other states might not. His organization just paid a $50,000 bond for a detainee. Because Illinois does not have a long-term ICE detention center, residents are sent out of state.
“For folks who are sent to places like Louisiana or Texas, we’re seeing bonds are very, very high, because it’s a deterrent to keep those people detained,” Rodriguez said.
The need is only getting greater since a Chicago federal judge recently ordered the release of hundreds of operation “Midway Blitz” detainees.
Pilsen Community Books is helping, too. The used and new bookstore has held a couple of fundraisers for the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund.
“It’s insane, the amount of money, like, how large these bonds are getting, and it’s impossible for normal, working-class people to just pay them,” said Pilsen Community Books owner and worker Mandy Medley.
Small businesses are helping during a time when their own bottom lines have taken a hit because of ICE fears. Ortega says it is also about giving someone else the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
“We are doing what we think is right, and, you know, helping those out that need it most,” Ortega said.
Those who have already given are encouraging other Latino businesses to help the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund as soon as they can so some detainees can make it home to their families by Thanksgiving.
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