PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Condemns Trump’s Renewed Travel Ban Amid Escalating ICE Raids in Chicago, Urges Travel Caution and Community ‘Know Your Rights’
(CHICAGO, IL, 6/5/25) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned President Trump’s June 4 proclamation enforcing wide dragnet restrictions on entry into the United States for nationals from 19 Muslim-majority and African countries. The sweeping policy, signed under the pretext of protecting national security, echoes the discriminatory framework of the original 2017 Muslim Ban and unjustly targets marginalized communities.
CAIR-Chicago joins CAIR and national civil rights and immigrant justice organizations nationwide in denouncing the order as ideologically motivated, overbroad, and unnecessary.
This action comes as federal immigration enforcement in Chicago has escalated sharply this week, with ICE agents conducting raids in Pilsen and carrying out a mass arrest operation in the South Loop, deepening fear in our immigrant communities.
SEE: WGN-TV: Chicago officials raise concerns over federal immigration raids in Pilsen
“It’s smoke and mirrors. There is no evidence that birthplace determines behavior other than in racist textbooks. This is therefore not about national security, but politics. It’s a lazy shortcut to the appearance of being tough, knowingly serving the base synthetic red meat,” said Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago. “All this actually does is put strain on families, businesses, schools and our economy without any palpable security benefit.”
Heena Musabji, CAIR-Chicago’s Legal Director, added:
“To our communities: CAIR-Chicago is here for you. Whether you’re facing travel delays, ICE enforcement, or unclear immigration status—you are not alone. We offer free legal aid, Know Your Rights trainings, and trusted resources to protect and empower you. We will fight for your rights, every step of the way.”
While this new ban includes exemptions—such as for lawful permanent residents and some family-based immigrants—CAIR-Chicago remains concerned about the chilling effect it may have on travelers, particularly those advocating for Palestinian rights or belonging to historically targeted communities.
CAIR-Chicago strongly advises impacted individuals to:
Consult an Immigration Attorney: Seek legal counsel to assess how the new order may affect your status and identify protective steps.
Avoid Non-Essential Travel: While green card holders and those with valid visas may be technically exempt, past patterns suggest risk of overreach at ports of entry.
Secure Your Documents: Keep both digital and physical copies of immigration documents, travel records, and identification in safe and accessible places.
Stay Informed: Review CAIR-Chicago’s Know Your Rights essential resources for travel, immigration, protesting, and more.
Report Incidents Immediately: Use our Report Discrimination Form to document any profiling, harassment, or civil rights violations.
Traveling soon and arriving at O’Hare or Midway?
Register with our Travelers Assistance Project (TAP) at least 24-48 hours before arrival: www.TAPUS.org
Complete our immigration intake form: cairchicago.org/get-immigration-help
Follow our digital safety tips and border rights guidance
We also encourage impacted community members to seek support from these Illinois-based immigrant justice partners:
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR): www.icirr.org
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): immigrantjustice.org
If you or a loved one are impacted, contact CAIR-Chicago immediately at 312-212-1520 or through our online intake forms.
Follow CAIR-Chicago on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @cairchicago and subscribe to emails at www.cairchicago.org/subscribe for the latest updates.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com | Heena Musabji, Legal Director, CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, hmusabji@cair.com | Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com