Little Village loses its lively spirits as fear of ICE raids keeps residents indoors

CHICAGO (WGN) — Little Village has not been buzzing with the same energy and spirits it’s famous for in recent days.

“A lot of people [are] just fearing to come to this area,” Ariella Santoyo said.

Driving down 26th Street, regulars can’t help but notice the change as the once vibrant, predominantly Mexican neighborhood now feels unusually quiet and empty.

“Generally, these corners — you’ll have one vendor per corner, [but] they’re empty. The vendors aren’t out there,” Santoyo said. “You see people not in restaurants. To see it so empty, to find parking is super rare. People are just holding off.”

Santoyo, owner of My Quince World, finds it disheartening to see what’s happening.

Her shop has been a place where families come to search for the perfect Quinceañera dress. It’s a deeply ro