Approximately 3,000 Mexican runners are set to participate in this Sunday’s Chicago Marathon, presenting a potential clash with federal authorities.
This year marks the 47th iteration of the marathon, which is anticipated to attract around 53,000 runners and nearly two million spectators in a city grappling with escalating violence and intense anti-ICE protests.
At a recent press conference, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the Mexican participants while calling for a calm atmosphere.
“I welcome all of them,” said the Democratic mayor, encouraging the runners to “stand firm” and “not submit to oppression.”
Ongoing confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement regarding ICE policies—marked by four arrests on Friday at a DHS facility—have sparked speculation about potential immigration enforcement actions targeting participants and onlookers from 140 nations at the event.
Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) expressed his worries, stating, “With so many people converging for the marathon, ICE could become active.”
“I have no idea what will happen during this marathon,” he added.
The Chicago Parks District responded on Instagram to growing concerns, stating they had “no knowledge” of any ICE agents being present at the marathon, despite rampant rumors on social media.
Many who saw the agency’s response remained skeptical. One commenter asked, “Are you hiding this information because it was leaked?” while another voiced, “Will spectators be safe?”
The marathon is planned to run through some of the south side’s neighborhoods, known for their crime rates, which previously led Trump to label the area a “hell hole” and prompted a contentious order to deploy the National Guard, a move currently facing legal challenges.
