Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood became the latest flashpoint in the ongoing national conversation over immigration enforcement this week after federal agents detained a beloved 68-year-old street vendor known locally as “Don Federico,” who sold tamales near 47th and Hermitage.
The incident has ignited an outpouring of support, local organizing energy, and urgent questions about the impacts of aggressive enforcement actions on everyday people and communities.
Surveillance video shared on social media shows the veteran vendor calmly setting up his cart early Tuesday morning before federal agents approached him, placed him in custody, and drove off, leaving his tamale cart abandoned on the street.
According to his family, Federico Diaz Acevedo has lived in Chicago for over two decades and returned to vending even after briefly pausing during earlier federal sweeps, because he had bills and rent to pay.
His daughter-in-law, Alexy Marin, shared that he has health vulnerabilities including asthma and heart issues, deepening concern for his well-being.
Back of the Yards Acts Quickly
Since his detention, neighbors and local organizations have mobilized quickly. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with potential legal fees and to provide support in the event of deportation.
Community advocates have rallied around the family, selling tamales and other goods to raise funds and keep Federico’s legacy alive.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of intensified federal immigration operations in Chicago under what authorities have described as Operation Midway Blitz.
Border Patrol agents, led by Commander Gregory Bovino, have returned to neighborhoods across the city including Little Village, Cicero, and Back of the Yards, drawing criticism from city officials and immigrant advocates who describe the tactics as disruptive and heavy-handed, especially this close to the holiday season.
Local government figures including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have publicly criticized the timing and approach of these enforcement actions, framing them as harmful to families and community trust.
Meanwhile, federal authorities maintain that operations are focused on individuals with serious criminal records, though critics counter that many detained have no significant criminal histories and are essential contributors to their communities.
Neighbors have said that for many immigrants and longtime residents alike, the fear of stops and detentions has changed daily life. Street vendors, who once worked openly in public spaces, now face the choice of staying home or risking detention while earning a living.
Efforts by groups such as the Street Vendors Association of Chicago have included “buy-out” rides—where volunteers purchase all of a vendor’s goods early in the day so they can return safely home—and fundraisers that reinforce cultural solidarity and mutual support.
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Local CBS News reporting
As Chicagoans rally behind Federico and others impacted, this illustrates how immigration policy isn’t just a national topic but a deeply local one, touching familiar faces on street corners, city squares, and neighborhood markets.
