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NBC Chicago's new studio marks end of daytime TV era

The nearly 70,000-square-foot space on the first floor of the NBC Tower is where Springer used to do his syndicated show.

Business

NBC 5&#x27;s new studio at NBC Tower marks the end of Chicago&#x27;s daytime TV production era, but bets big on the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" data-vars-content-id="6016cc2a-e01c-455e-a923-d90534b3b4d0" data-vars-headline="NBC Chicago&#x27;s new studio marks end of daytime TV era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" target="_self">local news</a>.Why it matters: The investment boosts local news — but underscores how far Chicago has drifted from its once-dominant role in daytime TV.

Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel

The sister venues will be called The Belmont and Decibel and open on April 25.

Things to Do

After closing its doors in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" data-vars-content-id="a615ada9-ef22-42f3-9027-464119deb73e" data-vars-headline="Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" target="_self">late 2023</a>, Lakeview&#x27;s Berlin nightclub space will reopen this month as The Belmont, a craft cocktail bar, and Decibel, a dance bar.Why it matters: For 40 years, Berlin hosted a unique mix of LGBTQ and straight clubbers for late-night dance parties in an inclusive environment.<ul><li>Managers tell Axios they want to recreate that special scene.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable here, as long as they&#x27;re comfortable with everyone else,&quot; says Marcus Devin, one of the new club&#x27;s managers, who previously worked at Berlin.<figure><img alt="Two men stand together in a dim venue with purple lighting. Left: glasses, blond hair, black T‑shirt with a circular cat logo. Right: mustache, blue mountain graphic T‑shirt; both wear jeans." height="2539" id="a3f98868-5c9e-427f-948e-bd483868cfa0" src="https://images.axios.com/JGyy2nBr29RJGlOFXwv5gSxvVNk=/2026/04/08/1775688782247.jpeg" width="3941"/><figcaption>Programming manager Austin Neff and manager Marcus Devin in front of the new DJ booth at Decibel, formerly Berlin. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Driving the news: The Belmont/Decibel (954 W. Belmont Ave.) will open to the public on April 25, pending final city approval.How it works: The club will operate as The Belmont cocktail bar in the early evenings, but pull back a curtain and morph into Decibel after 10pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.Backstory: Berlin owners Jim Schuman and Jo Webster closed the legendary club in 2023 amid union demands that they said they lacked the funds to accommodate. <ul><li>The new owner is HV Entertainment, which owns local LGBTQ clubs including Fantasy, Bobby Loves, The Closet and the Chicago Eagle.</li></ul>What&#x27;s new: Fresh lighting, a new sound system, clean remodeled bathrooms and two twinkling bars.What&#x27;s old: The &quot;retro vibe&quot; that manager and former Berlin staffer Austin Neff says he hopes to recreate with &quot;techno, house, &#x27;80s, &#x27;90s and early 2000s music&quot; spun by Berlin DJ Greg Haus.<ul><li>Berlin&#x27;s elevated dance stages that could host drag performers again in the fall.</li></ul>The drinks: Expect fancy craft cocktails at The Belmont until 10pm, but simpler drinks at Decibel.If you go: The Belmont will be open Tuesday-Saturday and charge a $5-10 cover for Decibel after 10pm.

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Climate

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate

A suspect's arrest is intensifying debate over state and local immigration policies.

Immigration

The arrest of a Venezuelan immigrant for last week&#x27;s killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman is reigniting debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" target="_self">sanctuary policies</a> in Chicago and Illinois.Backstory: Chicago police on Sunday announced the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, identified by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" target="_blank">Department of Homeland Security</a> as Jose Medina.

How Chicago's preparing for the next DHS surge

Accountability commissions, protocols for prosecuting DHS agents, and community response teams.

When Border Patrol commander <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greg Bovino" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-border-protection-judge-daily-bovino" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-border-protection-judge-daily-bovino" target="_self">Greg Bovino</a> left Chicago last fall, immigration officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warned the Sun-Times " data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/10/chicago-immigration-deport-trump-noem-bovino-midway-blitz" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/10/chicago-immigration-deport-trump-noem-bovino-midway-blitz" target="_blank">warned the Sun-Times </a>they&#x27;d return in March with a much bigger force.Why it matters: Operation Midway Blitz triggered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of complaints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/ice-release-300-detained-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/ice-release-300-detained-immigrants" target="_self">hundreds of complaints</a> alleging civil, criminal and constitutional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">violations</a> by immigration agents — complaints <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local officials " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" target="_self">local officials </a>are still<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reviewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" target="_self"> reviewing</a>.<ul><li>A new surge could restart the process, once again disrupting schools, businesses, courts and immigrant communities across the area.</li></ul>State of play: A lot has changed since those warnings of a new spring surge.<ul><li>President Trump&#x27;s approval rating on immigration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plummeted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" target="_self">plummeted</a> after federal agents fatally shot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Good" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Good</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/24/minneapolis-ice-shooting-id" target="_self">Alex Pretti</a> in Minneapolis.</li><li>Trump has also removed three top immigration officials — Bovino, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin — from their jobs.</li></ul>The questions: Given these shifts, will another operation really return to Chicago? And how have local leaders prepared for the possibility?The short answer: Officials aren&#x27;t commenting on a potential new surge.<ul><li>&quot;Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country, including in Chicago. We do not discuss future or potential operations,&quot; DHS deputy assistant secretary Lauren Bis told Axios.</li><li>&quot;The Trump Administration does not communicate when and where they deploy masked agents to American communities,&quot; Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s office told Axios, adding they learned about Midway Blitz through social media and a press release.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Moves to prepare for a surge:</h2>Gov. Pritzker: &quot;I formed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois Accountability Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">Illinois Accountability Commission</a> to further expose how Trump militarized our neighborhoods, attacked our families and businesses, and violated fundamental American rights. We will do everything in our power to hold them accountable and keep them out of Illinois.&quot;Cook County States Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke: &quot;[We developed] a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="robust protocol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/news/cook-county-states-attorneys-office-implements-charging-protocol-use-force-incidents-involving" target="_blank">robust protocol</a> that paves the way for our office to move forward with prosecuting ICE officers for on-duty conduct, in accordance with Illinois law.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;[It&#x27;s] been adopted by every prosecutor in the state, including the Attorney General, and serves as a model during these unprecedented times. No one is above the law — not ICE officers, and not prosecutors.&quot;</li></ul>Mayor Brandon Johnson: &quot;While we cannot speculate on Trump&#x27;s intentions, we are engaged in constant preparation across departments ahead of potential re-escalation in Chicago. This includes continuing to disseminate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Know Your Rights information" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/ShortenedResourceGuide-English.pdf" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Office%20of%20New%20Americans/PDFs/ShortenedResourceGuide-English.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Rights information</a> and Family Preparedness resources while working with CPD to implement the necessary procedures to chart the path for accountability if federal agents break the law in our city.&quot;Ald. Andre Vasquez: &quot;I do have concerns about DHS returning in March, and believe the best thing we can do is support the rapid responder efforts.&quot; Vasquez is the chair of the City Council&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigrant and Refugee Rights committee" data-vars-click-url="https://40thward.org/city-council/protecting-immigrant-rights-chicago/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://40thward.org/city-council/protecting-immigrant-rights-chicago/" target="_blank">Immigrant and Refugee Rights committee</a>.<ul><li>&quot;We have also submitted over a dozen new ordinances to get better reporting and accountability from the city in case there are more ICE incidents and interactions with city departments, including CPD.&quot;</li></ul>Meanwhile, in Springfield, state senators are pushing for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2820&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;SessionID=114&amp;GA=104" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2820&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;SessionID=114&amp;GA=104" target="_blank">bill</a> to block Illinois law enforcement agencies from hiring anyone hired as an immigration officer by ICE between January 2025 and January 2029.The latest: A coalition of lawyers, community groups and religious leaders is pushing this week to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appoint a special prosecutor " data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/groups-petition-special-prosecutor-investigate-actions-federal-agents-during-operation-midway-blitz/18698818/" data-vars-content-id="199aa703-58c8-46cc-9de8-64049db929d9" data-vars-headline="How Chicago&#x27;s preparing for the next DHS surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/groups-petition-special-prosecutor-investigate-actions-federal-agents-during-operation-midway-blitz/18698818/" target="_blank">appoint a special prosecutor </a>to investigate DHS actions during Midway Blitz. O&#x27;Neill Burke vows to &quot;strenuously oppose&quot; it, saying it would make her prosecutions more difficult.Editors note: This story has been updated with information about a push to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate DHS actions.

Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE

The school joins others in a district that has been hit hard by immigration enforcement surges.

Hundreds of Lincoln Park High School students left class early Friday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protest ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/16/chicago-ice-protests-immigration-body-cameras" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/16/chicago-ice-protests-immigration-body-cameras" target="_self">protest ICE</a>, joining a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing wave " data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/02/hundreds-of-students-protest-federal-immigration-crackdown-with-a-school-walk-out-we-are-fed-up/" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/02/hundreds-of-students-protest-federal-immigration-crackdown-with-a-school-walk-out-we-are-fed-up/" target="_blank">growing wave </a>of Chicago-area students speaking out against federal immigration tactics.Why it matters: The protests underscore how profoundly stepped up ICE raids over the last year have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affected Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/12/02/as-immigration-agents-swept-chicago-this-fall-communities-stepped-in-to-get-kids-to-school-safely" data-vars-content-id="51e6172a-b1e4-4aa3-a1b3-3d76eaae4304" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park High School students protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/12/02/as-immigration-agents-swept-chicago-this-fall-communities-stepped-in-to-get-kids-to-school-safely" target="_blank">affected Chicago Public Schools</a>. <ul><li>They also suggest that the next generation of Chicago voters cares deeply about the issue. Several 18 year olds at the rally vowed make their voices heard at the ballot box this year. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Crowd of young protesters holding signs with messages like &quot;ICE OUT&quot; and &quot;Skipping a lesson 2 teach you one&quot; outside a brick building with bay windows on a cloudy day." height="3418" id="72fba85b-4e55-41ce-a4b5-895cf606a2e8" src="https://images.axios.com/LNcvvAZL1G3vnr4hQ1nEIOVLOEw=/2026/02/27/1772231423049.jpeg" width="4687"/><figcaption>Lincoln Park High School students march down Lincoln Avenue Friday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Context: The march was organized by the LPHS chapter of Civic Leaders of America, which organized its yearly student rally around &quot;No Kings&quot; last year and chose immigration as its focus this year. <ul><li>While immigration actions have subsided in recent months, some federal officials have vowed to remount a local surge in March. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;No one should have to fear walking out their homes or face discrimination for the color of their skin,&quot; LPHS senior London Robison tells Axios. &quot;No one is illegal on stolen land.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;I think it&#x27;s really important to use our voices to create opportunities and make the world a better place for everybody,&quot; junior Sophie Lejeune told Axios. &quot;We all have to work together to show those who fear they might be taken away that we&#x27;re with them.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Group of protesters holding signs like &quot;ICE OUT! Free Our ICE&quot; and police officers in black uniforms with gear, standing on dry grass with city buildings and leafless trees in background." height="2020" id="394297ae-f10b-479d-acce-1a2e5cb1df35" src="https://images.axios.com/wGPMAG9TlRDeOL84SL-Ezn8df9M=/2026/02/27/1772231609008.jpeg" width="2796"/><figcaption>A man in a trench coat confronts student protesters in Lincoln Park on Friday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>What happened: The large procession marched with a police escort down Lincoln Avenue to Armitage and over to Clark, where they gave speeches on the steps of the former Academy of Sciences building in Lincoln Park. <ul><li>Near the end of the rally, a man in a trench coat approached the teens, shouting obscenities and insisting they had been &quot;fed lies.&quot; </li><li>Police prevented a physical confrontation by moving the man away from the area. </li></ul>&quot;He definitely had the right [to shout at us],&quot; LPHS junior Isabella Scaffai told Axios, &quot;but it highlighted the importance of numbers and staying peaceful so we don&#x27;t appear to be aggressors.&quot; What&#x27;s next: Scaffai says organizers hope to build on the momentum and join forces with other local high schools to &quot;empower young people throughout CPS.&quot;

Council punts on ICE-CPD accountability vote

The ordinance could get another vote next month.

Public Safety

Some progressive alders were shocked Wednesday when a measure to let the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate claims of illegal cooperation between police and immigration agents got blocked by an alder who had voted for it in committee.Why it matters: The ordinance&#x27;s most vocal supporters — Alds. Jessie Fuentes, Andre Vasquez and Anthony Quezada — say it would help provide a layer of accountability around future ICE surges in Chicago that could come as early as next month.

Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday

A federal ruling will allow clergy back into the immigration facility on Ash Wednesday.

Religion

Clergy are expected to enter the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broadview immigration facility" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" target="_self">Broadview immigration facility</a> today for the first time in months after a federal judge ordered DHS to let them in.Why it matters: Religious leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="been on the front lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" target="_self">been on the front lines</a> in Chicago, Minneapolis and other cities in demanding justice for immigrants during the Trump administration&#x27;s aggressive enforcement.<ul><li>Clergy have long had a place at facilities like Broadview to offer religious comfort to immigrants.</li></ul>

Immigrants pay far more in taxes than they use

A 30-year analysis finds immigrants pay billions more in taxes than they use in benefits.

Money

A new 30-year analysis from the Cato Institute says U.S. immigrants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pay billions more in taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/immigrants-taxes-map" data-vars-content-id="18ebf236-f283-4060-a821-9683ac7729c0" data-vars-headline="Immigrants pay far more in taxes than they use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/immigrants-taxes-map" target="_self">pay billions more in taxes</a> than they receive in benefits, and the trend has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="steadily grown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cato.org/white-paper/immigrants-recent-effects-government-budgets-1994-2023?utm_source=hootsuite&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_term&amp;utm_content&amp;utm_campaign&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawPyANdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjU0xvUm5GU3VWOW9qYmdkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnVdXyjZqzhxMv5vlE8Ci13NT03lIG9K0Rp8eaa-Rd7IXkp-HhXF6QCiTtqs_aem_mZQpeUT7DErMG5t1yRv8vw" data-vars-content-id="18ebf236-f283-4060-a821-9683ac7729c0" data-vars-headline="Immigrants pay far more in taxes than they use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cato.org/white-paper/immigrants-recent-effects-government-budgets-1994-2023?utm_source=hootsuite&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_term&amp;utm_content&amp;utm_campaign&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawPyANdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjU0xvUm5GU3VWOW9qYmdkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnVdXyjZqzhxMv5vlE8Ci13NT03lIG9K0Rp8eaa-Rd7IXkp-HhXF6QCiTtqs_aem_mZQpeUT7DErMG5t1yRv8vw" target="_blank">steadily grown</a> over the decades.Why it matters: Conservatives often <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cite consumption of benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://illinois.gop/icymi-jb-pritzker-puts-illegal-border-crossers-before-illinois-families/" data-vars-content-id="18ebf236-f283-4060-a821-9683ac7729c0" data-vars-headline="Immigrants pay far more in taxes than they use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://illinois.gop/icymi-jb-pritzker-puts-illegal-border-crossers-before-illinois-families/" target="_blank">cite consumption of benefits</a> as proof that immigration creates a strain on the economy, but the analysis from the Libertarian-leaning think tank suggests immigrants and their families actually create a net positive for the U.S. economy.

Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops

Federal agent shootings are investigated internally, making discipline and charges far less likely.

Investigations into the killings of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Nicole Good" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Nicole Good</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" target="_self">Alex Pretti </a>would likely proceed differently if a local police officer, instead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DHS agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/axios-explains-inside-ice-superpowers" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/axios-explains-inside-ice-superpowers" target="_self">DHS agents</a>, had pulled the trigger.Why it matters: A local police shooting usually initiates a multi-agency investigation and the threat of prosecution. DHS agent shootings, however, are handled almost entirely inside the federal government — where accountability is far harder to reach.

Illinois dems differ on meaning of "abolish ICE"

From ending funding to disbanding the agency, officials offer different definitions.

From Ald. Andre Vasquez to Gov. JB Pritzker, local lawmakers are issuing clarion calls to &quot;Abolish ICE&quot; or &quot;Abolish Trump&#x27;s ICE.&quot;Why it matters: The rallying cries have grown louder in the wake of the fatal shootings of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" data-vars-content-id="62f418c0-70ee-4032-a2ad-0bd1dcc6609f" data-vars-headline="Illinois dems differ on meaning of &quot;abolish ICE&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" target="_self">Alex Pretti </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Good " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="62f418c0-70ee-4032-a2ad-0bd1dcc6609f" data-vars-headline="Illinois dems differ on meaning of &quot;abolish ICE&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Good </a>by immigration agents last month, but few agree on what the phrase means.

ICE memo raises alarm over home entry policy

A new DHS memo may lower ICE agents' perceived requirements to enter private homes.

An internal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigration and Customs Enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/quigley-dhs-funding-ice-cbp-reform" data-vars-content-id="5e946efd-322b-464f-acf5-dd450bba516c" data-vars-headline="ICE memo raises alarm over home entry policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/quigley-dhs-funding-ice-cbp-reform" target="_self">Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a> memo revealed by AP last week suggests that agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no longer need a judge&#x27;s warrant" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d" data-vars-content-id="5e946efd-322b-464f-acf5-dd450bba516c" data-vars-headline="ICE memo raises alarm over home entry policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d" target="_blank">no longer need a judge&#x27;s warrant</a> to enter a home and that an administrative warrant — issued by the agency — will suffice.Why it matters: That assertion challenges Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless search and seizure, and leaves Chicagoans, and people across the country, open to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more warrantless entries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" data-vars-content-id="5e946efd-322b-464f-acf5-dd450bba516c" data-vars-headline="ICE memo raises alarm over home entry policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" target="_self">more warrantless entries</a> into their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private property" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/10/31/lake-view-federal-cpd-immigration-raid" data-vars-content-id="5e946efd-322b-464f-acf5-dd450bba516c" data-vars-headline="ICE memo raises alarm over home entry policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/10/31/lake-view-federal-cpd-immigration-raid" target="_blank">private property</a>.

Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics

The Illinois congressman says DHS agents must follow constitutional standards or lose funding.

Mayoral candidate and Illinois U.S Rep. Mike Quigley will reject new ICE and CBP funding unless agents change their practices on tear gas, masks, warrantless entry, body cameras and more.Why it matters: Federal immigration agents are facing growing accusations of unconstitutional conduct — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shootings " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" target="_self">shootings </a>and warrantless arrests to the use of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chemical irritants on journalists " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" target="_self">chemical irritants on journalists </a>and protesters — without a single known federal investigation into those actions.Zoom in: Quigley plans to introduce an amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security appropriations bill that would restrict using the funds on immigration enforcement unless DHS:<ul><li>Ends raids at &quot;sensitive locations&quot; like schools, hospitals, and courthouses</li><li>Bans agents from wearing face coverings and using chemical irritants like pepper spray on bystanders</li><li>Requires ICE and CBP to wear body cameras</li><li>Prohibits warrantless arrests</li><li>Stops Border Patrol operations in non-border states without state permission.</li></ul>Between the lines: Quigley&#x27;s attempt to withhold federal funding could succeed where local efforts to rein in DHS agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have struggled " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/16/dhs-agents-court-ban-tear-gas" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/16/dhs-agents-court-ban-tear-gas" target="_self">have struggled </a>due to a supremacy clause that grants broad immunity to federal agents in the line of duty.<ul><li>Recently, though, officials including former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Lori Lightfoot " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" target="_self">Mayor Lori Lightfoot </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" target="_blank">Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney</a> have challenged the scope of that immunity and insisted that DHS agents can face local investigations, in turn prompting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushback." data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" target="_blank">pushback.</a></li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Quigley says constituents are urging him &quot;to do something,&quot; but he thinks recent calls by Illinois officials to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defund ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/17/abolish-ice-movement-illinois-democrats-delia-ramirez-juliana-stratton-patty-garcia" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/17/abolish-ice-movement-illinois-democrats-delia-ramirez-juliana-stratton-patty-garcia" target="_blank">defund ICE</a> —including one Rep. Delia Ramirez is expected to announce Wednesday — have &quot;zero chance with the majority of the public.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;What we&#x27;re offering here is a reasonable alternative, something that might actually work ... We need Homeland Security at the border and airports, but we just don&#x27;t need ICE violating the Constitution and the laws of the land,&quot; he tells Axios.</li></ul>Reality check: In a GOP-dominated Congress, Quigley&#x27;s amendment would need some Republican support.<ul><li>While aisle-crossing is rare, he notes it has grown on issues including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Epstein files " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/house-votes-to-release-jeffrey-epstein-files" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/house-votes-to-release-jeffrey-epstein-files" target="_self">Epstein files </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ACA subsidy extensions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/house-health-care-bill-republicans-aca-subsidies-vote" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/house-health-care-bill-republicans-aca-subsidies-vote" target="_self">ACA subsidy extensions</a>, &quot;which shows the tide is turning.&quot;</li><li>Plus, recent polls show plummeting support for the administration&#x27;s immigration tactics, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prompting questions inside the White House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" target="_self">prompting questions inside the White House</a> on how to proceed, Axios reports.</li></ul>Zoom out: Quigley&#x27;s move happens at a time when communities across the nation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including Minneapolis after Renee Good&#x27;s killing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" target="_self">including Minneapolis after Renee Good&#x27;s killing</a>, are scrambling for paths to accountability.Timeline: The North Side congressman plans to debut the amendment this week once the appropriations bill is introduced. The bottom line: Quigley admits the amendment faces challenges.<ul><li>But &quot;I think we&#x27;ve got a shot at the very least,&quot; he said. &quot;It&#x27;s also messaging the public that there is a middle ground here.&quot;</li></ul>Meanwhile: On Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul marked &quot;365 days of chaos&quot; under an administration that has targeted the state, prompting &quot;51 lawsuits and more than 100 amicus briefs that have successfully addressed a range of issues that impact Illinois residents.&quot;<ul><li>As the new year goes on, an emotional Raoul said, &quot;We are not demoralized, and we&#x27;re certainly not exhausted. We are standing our ground to defend the rights of the people of Illinois and the rule of law, and we&#x27;re winning in the courts.&quot;</li></ul>