(CHICAGO, IL, 2/7/25) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today warned of rising vigilantism targeting immigrant communities amid the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdowns and ICE raids.
An Afghan family from Skokie recently reportedly received hateful, threatening notes referencing mass deportation.
The notes read: “President Donald Trump deportation is coming. President Trump will deport all migrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 1-866-347-2423 – we will call.” Another stated: “Mass deportation – Yes, President Donald Trump deportation is coming for you!!! Finally – we will call.”
CAIR-Chicago Legal Director, Heena Musabji said “We condemn these threats as a dangerous consequence of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies that embolden vigilantes. Authorities must take these incidents seriously and protect vulnerable communities.”
Abdul, our client who was targeted with these threatening notes said: “I am a lawful permanent resident from Afghanistan. Someone in my building left hateful messages at my home, threatening to deport me and my family. My wife and I live here with our four children, and now my kids are scared to live in their own home.”
Maywand Pohyar, President of the Afghan Community Center, added: “Due to recent ICE orders, some of our community members have faced difficulties in obtaining approval for their asylum cases, raising serious concerns about their future. Additionally, some have received notices warning them about their stay in the U.S., adding to their uncertainty and distress. Our Afghan refugees have endured immense hardships and taken long journeys to reach this country, driven by hopes and dreams for a better future.”
CAIR-Chicago urges law enforcement to take these threats seriously and calls on community members to report any instances of harassment, intimidation, or hate crimes. Victims of discrimination or hate incidents can contact CAIR-Chicago for assistance at (312) 212-1520.
File a report and access resources at www.cairchicago.org/protectingyourrights
If you believe you are witnessing ICE activity, please call ICIRR’s 24-Hour Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) to report it.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, [email protected]; Monia Alhelou, Operations Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, [email protected]; Heena Musabji, Legal Director of CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, [email protected]; Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, [email protected]
