Officials Unite in Little Village to Counter Border Chief’s Return Threat

In a show of solidarity, local officials and community members gathered in Little Village to counter threats posed by Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino regarding immigration enforcement activities in the area. On November 11, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, along with other officials, attended a Veterans Day service at Manuel Perez Jr. Plaza to express support for residents facing challenges from federal immigration policies.

Community Unites Against Enforcement Threats

Pritzker reacted to Bovino’s controversial online comments, inviting him to join in the community’s efforts. However, Bovino did not appear in Little Village on that day, sparking speculation about his potential reassignment. U.S. Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Senator Tammy Duckworth also participated in the gathering, reinforcing the local leadership’s response to ongoing immigration enforcement.

Demonstrations of Solidarity

• Local faith leaders blocked off a section of 26th Street under the Little Village Arch to pray for immigrants.
• Community members rallied with flags in a peaceful demonstration, showing unity against federal actions.
• Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council, coordinated efforts to allow street vendors to stay home for safety.

Alderman Mike Rodriguez, representing the area, emphasized the day as a victory for the community, highlighting the importance of demonstrating unity. “Our senator, our governor, our county board president, knew how important it was to stand with Little Village residents,” he stated.

Political Reactions and Impacts

While Bovino was reportedly out of town, he engaged in online discussions, making light of the governor’s event being interrupted by protests against the presence of law enforcement outside an ICE facility. Pritzker criticized this behavior, saying that while he stands with the community, Bovino was distracted by photo opportunities, rather than addressing the residents’ concerns.

Future Implications for Little Village

Enriquez noted a surge in membership for his organization, emphasizing increased community engagement in response to federal actions. He mentioned ongoing efforts to document and respond to potential ICE activity, expressing a commitment to protecting vulnerable community members.

Pritzker warned that any change in federal leadership would not eliminate the challenges posed by ICE and CBP operations in the area, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance: “Though they’ll have fewer people, we still need to protect our neighbors, friends, and families.”

The event in Little Village on this significant day marked both a response to immediate concerns and a deeper commitment to supporting the immigrant community in the face of ongoing threats from federal immigration enforcement.