Fears over possible ICE raids have heightened across the U.S., causing Chicago’s Mexican-American community Little Village to become deserted

A bustling shopping district in Chicago known as the “Mexico of the Midwest” has seen foot traffic plummet by 50% — as residents say they fear the immigration raids promised by President Trump. The sidewalks were empty and some businesses were closed along a two-mile stretch of shops and restaurants on 26th Street in Chicago’s Little Village —  the Windy City’s second busiest retail corridor —  as Trump was sworn into office Monday.

Children were kept home from class, while workers made the difficult decision to forgo wages as the threat of ICE raids loomed in the Windy City.

It’s going to be disastrous,” said the head of the local chamber of commerce. “If raids happen and people are too afraid to go out, it’s going to be an impact that’s going to last for years.”

Immigrants in Chicago and other U.S. cities have been preparing for immigration arrests since President-elect Donald Trump won the November election.

The second busiest retail corridor in Chicago is typically a bustling area dotted with taquerias and Mexican grocery stores in the southwestern part of the city. By Monday afternoon it had turned into a ghost town.

Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, home to a large population of Latin American immigrants, has reportedly gone quiet, as the city waits to see whether it becomes the first target of Donald Trump’s plan to carry out mass deportations immediately upon taking office.

Authorities in Mexico said Iram Uranga Armendáriz shot and killed three men and critically wounded a Chicago teen over an argument about a $250,000 debt.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city will defend residents "whether you're undocumented, whether you are seeking asylum or whether you're seeking a good paying job."

The incoming Trump administration is reportedly beginning mass deportations next week in the city and across the U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said "the current threats are nothing new" and advocates are ready to fight for and protect the community.

Activists are holding meetings to advise people about their legal rights and families have been drafting powers of attorney.

As President Donald Trump returns to the White House, he is vowing to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.