Organizing Archives – Borderless Magazine NFP

Immigration Policy Organizing Top Stories

ICE Arrests Are Leaving Some Immigrant Families’ Cars Behind. These Volunteers Are Stepping In To Help

A network of rapid responders and tow truck drivers is stepping in to safeguard abandoned vehicles after the owners were detained on their commutes, easing the financial strain families face when their loved ones are detained.

Tara MobasherJuly 30, 2026

Jose Corro holds his phone up to call to a family member in Venezuela as two other volunteers pack donations of boxed foods and first aid items at the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance.

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

Latest Organizing

‘It’s Catastrophic’: Chicago Organizations Mobilize To Provide Aid for Venezuela After Deadly Earthquakes

Local organizations and restaurants are mobilizing to collect aid for Venezuelans impacted by two of the country’s biggest earthquakes in the last century.

Tara MobasherJuly 1, 2026

Aisha Sheikh, a member of the “I Speak Power” (ISP) leadership program, lines up to board the bus to Springfield right before sunrise during Asian American Action Day on May 6, 2026.

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

Immigration Policy Latest Organizing

Facing Federal Funding Cuts, An Asian Coalition is Fighting to Protect Immigrant Services in Illinois

For the annual Asian American Action Day this year, community members advocated for healthcare safety net programs, progressive revenue taxes and funding for immigrant legal services.

Katrina PhamMay 8, 2026

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

As Told To Immigration Policy Latest Organizing Top Stories Visuals

‘We Have Each Other’s Backs’: An Environmental Organizer Sets His Sights on ICE

David Barboza has spent years fighting pollution on the Southeast Side of Chicago. But when Donald Trump was re-elected in 2025, he saw a new threat to his community: immigrant deportations.

Camilla ForteMarch 5, 2026

Camilla Forte for Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Latest Organizing

Despite Fears, Chicago’s Rapid Responders Vow to Continue Facing Down Federal Immigration Officers

Organizers say the work helps their neighbors feel empowered by knowing their rights amid ICE activity. They say more community members have joined since Trump took office.

Katrina PhamJanuary 20, 2026

Mauricio Pena/Borderless Magazine

Enforcement and Courts Organizing

When ICE Came to Little Village, Residents Stood Up: ‘We Are in Solidarity’

After back-to-back raids, Southwest Siders show up to warn neighbors and denounce agents' actions.

Mauricio Peña and Hillary FloresOctober 24, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Investigation Organizing

Investigation: MAT Asphalt Complaints Continue Even After Mitigation Technology Installed Last April

After hundreds of complaints, citations, and a class-action settlement, city inspectors’ notes show instances where MAT Asphalt continued to generate and emit "strong noxious asphalt odor.”

Aydali CampaJune 16, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing

Immigrant Rights Advocates ‘Fighting Back Against Fear’ as Trump Administration Marks First 100 Days

As President Donald Trump’s administration marks 100 days, immigrant organizations say they are expanding advocacy efforts and ramping up demonstrations in Chicago.

Katrina Pham, Tara Mobasher and Aydali CampaApril 30, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing

Donald Trump Stoked Fear Even Before Taking Office

On the eve of his inauguration, Donald Trump’s plans to step up ICE raids and seal the border drummed up worries across Chicago.

Mauricio PeñaJanuary 21, 2025

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

EPA Officials, Southeast Side Residents Workshop Ideas for Former Acme Coke Plant

Southeast Side residents hope the toxic site will be transformed into a multi-use space that meets community needs, but remediation could take years.

Aydali CampaNovember 12, 2024

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Immigration Policy Organizing

DNC Protesters Call For Ceasefire in Gaza, Israel Arms Embargo as Palestinian Death Toll Rises

With all eyes on Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, tens of thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with Palestine.

Isabelle SenechalAugust 19, 2024

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

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

After Decades of Disinvestment, Black and Latino Leaders Want ‘Profound Transformation’ Amid Migrant Crisis

Although tensions have flared throughout the humanitarian crisis, Black and Brown leaders see an opportunity to unite and advocate for Chicago’s South and West Sides.

Deborah D. DouglasApril 29, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Labor and Economics Organizing

Chicago’s Longtime Undocumented Immigrants Push Feds for Work Permits: ‘Why Not Us?’

As new arrivals receive federal work authorization, many undocumented immigrants are stepping out of the shadows and demanding work permits after waiting for decades.

Jacqueline CardenasApril 29, 2024

Jack X. Li for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Organizing Visuals

The Revival of Chicago’s Filipino American Rizal Center

After a protracted legal battle over the building's ownership, Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans have banded together to restore a community center to its former glory.

Katrina PhamApril 8, 2024

Samantha Friend Cabrera for Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

Oak Park Volunteers Search For Housing Solutions Amid Migrant Crisis

Chicago shelters house over 15,000 migrants. With eviction notices incoming, Oak Park and local volunteers are looking for solutions.

Katrina PhamFebruary 6, 2024

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing

Two months on, Chicagoans grapple with the devastation of the Gaza war

Local Palestinians and Jewish people are mourning the deaths of people in Israel and Gaza and calling for an end to the war.

Diane Bou KhalilDecember 20, 2023

Katrina Pham/Borderless Magazine

Organizing

Chicagoans Protest City’s Handling of Migrant Emergency Aid

Immigrant organizers called for increased funding for community members helping migrants bused to Chicago.

Katrina PhamJuly 25, 2023

Organizers from The Resurrection Project chant at a news conference for the Healthy Illinois Campaign at the Alivio Medical Center in Chicago, Ill. They hold a banner and signs that read "Healthy Illinois" and "Illinois believes health care is a human right."

Gonzalo Guzman for Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

Immigrant Advocates Push for Healthy Illinois For All Bill

If passed, the bill would implement universal health insurance for low-income residents, regardless of immigration status.

Adriana Martinez-SmileyMay 19, 2023

Photo by Sebastián Hidalgo for Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

As Public Health Emergency Ends, Community Resource Groups Work to Fill the Gap

As Gov. Pritzker declares an end to the public health emergency brought on by the pandemic and subsequent relief funds, four community-led efforts work to make sure their neighbors’ needs are still met.

Chelsea VerstegenMay 17, 2023

Pinar and her son Kenan in the window looking down on cousins outside of a pink home with a coffee pot in the foreground

Photo courtesy of Pinar Istek

Immigration Policy Organizing

Chicago’s Turkish and Syrian Community Members on How to Help Those Affected by the Earthquakes

Local Turkish and Syrian residents talk about the effects of the recent earthquakes on their home countries and about ways you can help.

Diane Bou KhalilFebruary 23, 2023

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Organizing Resources

The Essential Guide to Mutual Aid Groups in Chicago

From Little Village to Rogers Park, where to give and get help from your neighbors this holiday season in Chicago and its suburbs.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 21, 2022

LRS, or Lakeshore Recycling Systems, white building in West Chicago

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

West Chicago Receives Application for Second Trash Station Amid Concerns About Pollution

West Chicago residents are concerned about the environmental impact of Lakeshore Recycling Systems’ proposed waste transfer station, half a mile from an existing station.

Diane Bou KhalilSeptember 22, 2022

illustration of Al-Amin Porosh wearing a blue colared shirt

Illustration courtesy of Organized Communities Against Deportation

Immigration Policy Organizing

When Illinois Shut Down Detention Centers, One Detainee Made Sure Fellow Immigrants Got Help

Al-Amin Porosh has helped fellow detainees navigate an opaque immigrant detention system – and built a community behind bars.

Youcef O. BounabAugust 4, 2022

Mohammad Aimal puts a bike helmet on his nephew, Yahya Nazari

Emily Soto for Borderless Magazine

Organizing Visuals

Afghan Refugees are Getting Donated Bikes Thanks to Volunteers

A Chicago-area Facebook group is accepting donated bikes, helmets and locks for newly-arrived Afghan refugees.

Emily Soto and Sofia LealJune 14, 2022

Youngrae Kim for Borderless Magazine

Organizing

Asian Americans in Chicago Are Mobilizing to Protect Each Other

With increased violence against Asians, community groups are taking action, from distributing self-defense tools to gathering critical data.

jessica naluptaMay 25, 2022

close image of Julieta Alcántar-García wearing a red top with shite flowers and blue accents

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Environment and Health Organizing

The Growing Fight Over a Trash Station in West Chicago

Lack of transparency and concerns over environmental racism are fueling backlash to a waste transfer station in majority Latino West Chicago.

Liuan HuskaMarch 23, 2022

Immigrant rights march on 18th Street showing a large banner that says "alto a las deportaciones" "esta es mi tierra!" and "esta es mi lucha"

Photo by Martin Sorrondeguy

Arts & Culture Organizing

The Making and Unmaking of Mexican Chicago

Historian Mike Amezcua examines the origins and anti-gentrification struggles of Latinx Chicago neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village.

Borderless Magazine Staff and Mike AmezcuaMarch 1, 2022

Chicagoans rally against Russian invasion of Ukraine

Photo by Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Organizing Resources

How to Support Ukrainians

A running list of events held by Chicagoans to build solidarity with and awareness of the ongoing war in Ukraine

Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 24, 2022

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Labor and Economics Organizing

Unfairly Banned from Uber? Chicago Rideshare Drivers May Get a Fighting Chance

Immigrant rideshare drivers are backing a proposed Chicago law that could raise driver pay and give them an appeals process when working for Lyft or Uber.

Josephine StratmanFebruary 23, 2022

Angela Osorio calling for ICE to release detainees

Carlos Ballesteros/Injustice Watch

Enforcement and Courts Organizing

Illinois Just Ended ICE Detention. What Happened to the People Detained Here?

Detained immigrants and their families, attorneys, and advocates say what the end of immigration detention in Illinois has meant for them.

Carlos BallesterosFebruary 16, 2022

Sebastian Hidalgo for Borderless Magazine

As Told To Organizing

Keeping the Faith: The Woman Who Started the Sanctuary Movement

Elvira Arellano retells the story of when she took a stand to fight for her son and her work to protect undocumented immigrants.

Leslie HurtadoFebruary 15, 2022

Carlos Barberena

Arts & Culture As Told To Labor and Economics Organizing

Carlos Barberena’s Prints Are Humanizing Testaments of Immigrant Stories

Ahead of his new exhibition in Milwaukee, the Chicago-based artist talks about his work and the radical democracy of printmaking.

Kerry CardozaDecember 8, 2021

Organizer and pastor Emma Lozano, wearing a black hoodie, poses in front of a mural that depicts Chicago mayor Harold Washington and Lozano’s brother, Rudy Lozano.

As Told To Organizing

The Sanctuary Movement 15 Years On

Chicago pastor Emma Lozano discusses the movement to keep undocumented immigrants with their families and a related MCA exhibit.

Michelle KanaarNovember 23, 2021

Photo by Chelsea Verstegen for Borderless Magazine

Investigation Organizing

As Afghan Children Come to the US, Disagreements Ignite Over Who Should Care for Them

Organizers are calling for alternatives to facilities for unaccompanied Afghan refugee children run by Chicago nonprofit Heartland Alliance.

Chelsea VerstegenNovember 11, 2021

Protestors stand outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in downtown Chicago holding bullhorns and signs calling for a pathway to citizenship

Photo courtesy of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Immigration Policy Organizing

Chicago’s Immigrants Rally for the Right to Become Citizens in Their Longtime Home

Protestors halted traffic as they called for a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Diane Bou KhalilNovember 4, 2021

kan-win, #metoo, gender-based violence, aapi

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing

Beyond #MeToo and the Atlanta Spa Shootings

How KAN-WIN is helping to end gender-based violence in Chicago’s Asian and Asian American community in a time of increased hate crimes.

Adriana RezalSeptember 22, 2021

Photo by Adriana Rezal/Borderless Magazine

Education Environment and Health Investigation Organizing

As Chicago Schools Reopen, Hispanic Families Seek Support

Remote learning exposed cracks in the CPS system, hurting some students more than others. Are schools prepared for their return?

Adriana RezalAugust 31, 2021

Illinois Way Forward Act, detention, ICE, immigration, protections, Pritzker, TRUST Act, status, warrant, law, legislation, police, enforcement

Photo by Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine

Organizing

Illinois To End Immigrant Detention with New Bill

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Way Forward Act today, which will end immigrant detention in the state in 2022 and expand protections for immigrant communities.

Nissa RheeAugust 2, 2021

Asian American, pacific islander, policing, abolition, violence, gender, Chicago, harassment, discrimination, Chinese

Photo By: Sarah-Ji

Organizing

Anti-Asian Violence Stirs Conversation on Policing and Abolition in Chicago’s AAPI Communities

Communities of Asian descent reflect on a year of heightened anxiety

Mallory Cheng and Yiwen LuJune 21, 2021

immigration, bond, fund, ICE, detention, Chicago, USA, McHenry, immigrant

Photo courtesy of Pilar Weiss

Organizing

New Bond Fund Freeing Immigrants from ICE Detention

The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund Coalition has raised more than $35,000 to bail out detained immigrants from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

Alexandra ArriagaJune 9, 2021

Photo by Diane Bou Khalil

Organizing Visuals

What You Should Know About the Situation in Palestine

U.S. Palestinian Community Network’s Souzan Naser on what people need to understand about the recent Israeli airstrikes in Palestine and how to help.

Diane Bou KhalilMay 24, 2021

As Told To Labor and Economics Organizing

Bringing the Fight for Undocumented Immigrant Rights to Michigan

Gema Lowe, who migrated from Mexico to America 30 years ago, describes her journey as an advocate for undocumented immigrant in Grand Rapids.

Emma Glassman-HughesApril 21, 2021

rally, asian, discrimination, violence, racism, misogyny, Chicago, Chinatown, Lopez

Photo by Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Organizing

Chicagoans Rally to End Violence Against Asians in America

After a year that has seen a rise in attacks against Asian communities in the U.S., local AAPI groups gathered in Chicago's Chinatown to demand action.

Claire Voon and Diane Bou KhalilMarch 30, 2021

Asian, harassment, bystander, training, intervention, Chicago

Environment and Health Organizing Resources

With Anti-Asian Attacks On The Rise, Webinar Teaches Bystanders How To Help

During the past few months, Catherine Shieh has been leading bystander intervention trainings over Zoom to help stem the rise in anti-Asian attacks throughout the country.

Esther Yoon-Ji KangMarch 2, 2021

Photo by Michelle Kanaar

As Told To Organizing

من فلسطين إلى فلسطين الصغيرة في شيكاغو

.منظّم مثليّ سامر عويضة حول كيفية ربط النضالات العالميّة ضدّ الاضطهاد بالتحرّكات المحليّة في سبيل التغيير

Ata YounanJanuary 5, 2021

Photo by Michelle Kanaar

As Told To Organizing

From Palestine to Chicago’s Little Palestine

Queer organizer Samer Owaida on how to link global struggles against oppression to local movements for change.

Ata YounanJanuary 5, 2021

mixed status, COVID, support, fiscal, Chicago, immigrant, mutual aid, Latina

Photo by Amaris E. Rodriguez for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Environment and Health Labor and Economics Organizing

Chicago Latina Moms Provides Mutual Aid Support to Immigrant Families

The local mom’s group gave out over $50,000 in mutual aid assistance to Chicago families who were unable to get the COVID-19 federal stimulus check.

Amaris E. RodriguezDecember 10, 2020

Chicago, Black Lives Matter, SARS, Nigeria, police, violence, protest, black, African

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Organizing

“We’re Fighting the Same Fight”: African Migrants on End SARS and Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter protests and the growing movement to disband Nigeria’s controversial SARS police unit are driving urgent conversations on race and identity among people of the African diaspora.

Sarah LuyengiDecember 2, 2020

election, rally, Chicago, immigrant, Biden, Trump, presidential

Michelle Kanaar/Borderless Magazine

Immigration Policy Organizing

Waiting for Presidential Election Results, Chicagoans Show up to Protect their Vote

Less than a day after voting polls closed, immigrant community members rallied in downtown Chicago to defend the election.

Diane Bou Khalil and Michelle KanaarNovember 5, 2020

Organizing

إنفجار يهز بيروت تضاف إلى أزمة لبنان المتزايدة

شرحت الأكاديميّة والناشطة كارمن جحا الأزمة الاقتصادية والسياسية في لبنان وكيفَ تعامَل الشباب اللبناني مع دعوات الثورة.

Diane Bou KhalilAugust 5, 2020

Organizing

Explosions Rock Beirut, Adding to Lebanon’s Growing Crisis

Academic and activist Carmen Geha explains Lebanon’s economic meltdown and how the Lebanese diaspora has taken up the call for revolution.

Diane Bou KhalilAugust 4, 2020

Organizing

African Writers Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

African immigrant authors speak out against racist violence and voice support for U.S. protesters seeking justice for George Floyd.

African Authors Sans FrontieresJune 19, 2020

MAURICIO PEÑA/ BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO

Organizing

Black And Brown Food Pantry, Solidarity March Show Young Activists Are United For Justice: ‘We Are Family’

It's time for Chicago's Black and Latino communities to organize together, Southwest Side activists say. “We face the same struggles …with unemployment, affordable housing, incarceration."

Mauricio PeñaJune 4, 2020

Photo by Geoff Stellfox

Immigration Policy Organizing

Hundreds of Venezuelans rally in downtown Chicago

Just hours after Juan Guaidó declared himself president of Venezuela, hundreds of people gathered outside the consulate in Chicago.

Geoff StellfoxJanuary 24, 2019

Enforcement and Courts Organizing

Hundreds call for the end of ICE

Over 200 Chicagoans marched through Pilsen and Little Village Friday evening during a 90 degree heat wave to call for the abolishment of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Dan RowellJune 30, 2018

Arts & Culture Organizing Visuals

The Chicago Dyke March in pictures

Now it it’s 22nd year, the march is a celebration of dyke, queer, bisexual, transgender, and lesbian resilience.

Dan RowellJune 26, 2018

Arts & Culture Organizing

#WomenForSyria shows solidarity with displaced Syrians

Women’s March Illinois organizers hosted a candlelight vigil in downtown Chicago on April 13 to show solidarity with Syrians who have been displaced or suffered because of the civil war in that country.

Alex V. HernandezApril 18, 2017

Arts & Culture Organizing Visuals

Muslim Community Center of Chicago opens its doors to neighbors

The Muslim Community Center of Chicago was established in 1969 and is one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in the Chicago area.

Alex V. HernandezFebruary 21, 2017