As first-time Chicago Marathon runner Natalie Diaz passed through the Pilsen neighborhood that once was home to several of her Mexican-American family members, she stopped to greet those who had returned to support her in the race. They briefly took pictures and reflected on the increase in federal immigration enforcement efforts in the city.

Residents of the city and nation are “living in a crazy time we wouldn’t have thought of in 2025,” said Consuelo Arguilles, Diaz’s aunt who was on 18th Street to support her niece.

Arguilles, said she was proud of Diaz, a freshman at Carthage College, explaining that it was important to represent their Mexican heritage.

Overall support for runners in the 47th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon could be seen and heard throughout the race ro

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