Stephen Franklin, Author at Borderless Magazine NFP

Community Organizer at The Resurrection Project and longtime faith leader Father Brendan Curran speaks into a megaphone as he rallies protesters outside the Broadview ICE facility in Broadview, IL on Sept. 12, 2025.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Featured Immigration Policy

In Chicago, Faith Leaders Reflect on Legacy Supporting Immigrants’ Rights: ‘We Have to Stand Up for Every Person’

From sanctuary efforts in the ‘80s to Trump’s latest deportation efforts, Chicago’s faith leaders lean into commitment to immigrants.

Stephen FranklinDecember 2, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Enforcement and Courts

ICE Target Noncitizens as Cases Dismissed in Immigration Court in Chicago

Federal agents are detaining immigrants immediately after court hearings, raising concerns over due process.

Stephen Franklin and Fatema HosseiniJune 3, 2025

Abel Uribe for Borderless Magazine

Labor and Economics Organizing

‘I Have to Find Work’: Day Laborers Face Steep Competition, Slim Job Prospects

Newly arrived immigrants search for work as day laborers outside home improvement stores across Chicago. Many find few opportunities and precarious work conditions.

Stephen Franklin and Abel UribeJuly 30, 2024

Abel Uribe for Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Labor and Economics Organizing Resources

5 Things To Know About Your Rights As a Day Laborer in Illinois

From wage theft to unsafe work sites, how to navigate your rights as a day laborer regardless of immigration status in Illinois.

Stephen FranklinJuly 30, 2024

Enforcement and Courts

Life in Legal Limbo: Navigating Chicago’s Immigration Court Alone

Fighting for a chance to stay, many immigrants wade alone through backlogs and attorney shortages that plague the immigration court system.

Stephen Franklin and Katrina PhamMay 14, 2024

Stephen Franklin

In Chicago, Faith Leaders Reflect on Legacy Supporting Immigrants’ Rights: ‘We Have to Stand Up for Every Person’

ICE Target Noncitizens as Cases Dismissed in Immigration Court in Chicago

‘I Have to Find Work’: Day Laborers Face Steep Competition, Slim Job Prospects

5 Things To Know About Your Rights As a Day Laborer in Illinois

Life in Legal Limbo: Navigating Chicago’s Immigration Court Alone

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Stephen Franklin

In Chicago, Faith Leaders Reflect on Legacy Supporting Immigrants’ Rights: ‘We Have to Stand Up for Every Person’

Trump and DOJ Reshape Immigration Court, Sparking ‘Widespread Fear and Panic’

ICE Target Noncitizens as Cases Dismissed in Immigration Court in Chicago

‘I Have to Find Work’: Day Laborers Face Steep Competition, Slim Job Prospects

5 Things To Know About Your Rights As a Day Laborer in Illinois

Life in Legal Limbo: Navigating Chicago’s Immigration Court Alone