Rogers Park | Criminal Podcast
- Sep 4, 2026
- 37:23
- Full Episode
The story of one day in one neighborhood in Chicago – and the people living there who try to stop ICE agents from arresting their neighbors.
Criminal is a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Episode 339 originally published November 7, 2025. https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-339-rogers-park-11-7-2025
Music in this episode: “Clay Pawn Shop” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Telling” by Blue Dot Sessions “Gilly Wash_Lap Steel Opener” by Blue Dot Sessions “Rubber Ball Machine_Alternate Tuning” by Blue Dot Sessions “Watermarks_Reverse Guitar Textural” by Blue Dot Sessions “St. Augustine Red_Alt Start” by Blue Dot Sessions “Vulcan Street” by Blue Dot Sessions
Brief Summary
Chicago residents mobilize against ICE raids, using community vigilance to protect undocumented neighbors.
Key points
- Community Under Siege. Residents report aggressive ICE actions, leading to fear and uncertainty in the neighborhood.
- Sanctuary City Status Challenged. Despite Chicago's sanctuary city status, ICE operations have intensified, raising concerns among residents.
- Volunteers Mobilize Against ICE. Protect Rogers Park organizes volunteers to monitor and report ICE activities in the community.
- Community Response to ICE Raids. Residents of Rogers Park organize to protect their community from ICE raids.
- A Personal Journey to Chicago. David shares his journey from Mexico to Chicago and the challenges he faced.
- Whistles as a Warning System. Volunteers use whistles to alert neighbors about ICE presence, empowering the community.
Episode highlights
- Community Under SiegeResidents report aggressive ICE actions, leading to fear and uncertainty in the neighborhood.“They are targeting vents, working vents and stabbing people.”0:28Sep 4, 2026
- Sanctuary City Status ChallengedDespite Chicago's sanctuary city status, ICE operations have intensified, raising concerns among residents.“This is not what we told America was.”15:22Sep 4, 2026
- Volunteers Mobilize Against ICEProtect Rogers Park organizes volunteers to monitor and report ICE activities in the community.“More than 950 people have started volunteering as verifiers.”15:31Sep 4, 2026
- Community Response to ICE RaidsResidents of Rogers Park organize to protect their community from ICE raids.“Nah, this will not stand.”23:00Sep 4, 2026
- A Personal Journey to ChicagoDavid shares his journey from Mexico to Chicago and the challenges he faced.“I think I did the most wonderful wise decision coming here.”32:03Sep 4, 2026
- Whistles as a Warning SystemVolunteers use whistles to alert neighbors about ICE presence, empowering the community.“Using a whistle to warn, it's the most basic warning system.”33:27Sep 4, 2026
