FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) convened local immigration nonprofit and advocacy organizations to discuss the recent spike in immigration enforcement activity in Central and Southern Illinois.Groups from across Illinois’ 13th District, from Springfield and Decatur to the Metro East, were present to discuss fears and the chilling effects facing immigrant communities due to ICE activity. Participants raised concerns with increasing workplace raids, immigrant communities not seeking healthcare due to fear of ICE presence, and next steps for lawmakers and local organizations to protect immigrants across Central and Southern Illinois.“The surge in ICE activity we have seen across Central and Southern

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