As the city of Chicago prepares to host its world-renowned marathon on October 12, 2025, a wave of anxiety is rippling through its streets. The annual event, which last year drew over 52,150 finishers and more than 15,000 international participants, is typically a celebration—a vibrant showcase of athleticism and multicultural unity. But this year, the shadow of aggressive immigration enforcement looms large over both runners and residents, casting uncertainty on what should be a joyful occasion.
Concerns have been mounting ever since the Trump administration escalated its immigration crackdown in Chicago. For many, the fear is not just hypothetical. Michael Guidotti, a 31-year-old runner, has made it a point to carry his driver’s license on every training run since the summer. “Just knowing that I do come from a Hispanic background and also that I am somewhat darker, and that these individuals do seem to be targeting people of that demographic as well,” Guidotti told the Associated Press. “So it’s just an extra precaution that I’m taking that I have my driver’s license with me at all times.”
Guidotti’s apprehension is shared by many in Chicago’s diverse running community. The marathon, which winds through 29 neighborhoods and draws over a million spectators, is a major tourism draw for the city. Pilsen, a predominantly Latino neighborhood along the course, is famous for its high-energy support—loud cheering, mariachi music, and street vendors. But this year, the atmosphere is different. Enrique Rivera, leader of the neighborhood’s Venados Running Club, expects a quieter scene. “I’m absolutely sure that people are going to stay home,” Rivera said. “There’s street vendors that aren’t out on the street doing their sales that impact their life. I’m sure they’re also going to be able to cut off recreational activities like cheering on runners.”
Rivera’s club is encouraging runners to stay informed, keep a list of important contacts, and run in groups. Some members have even discussed what documentation to carry. “There is something in the air that says, ‘No, it doesn’t feel right,’” Rivera added. The unease is not limited to Latino runners. Amar Shah, 31, who was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, worries that his Indian heritage could make him vulnerable. “I shouldn’t have any concerns from a legality standpoint, but I am a brown man. I have a beard,” Shah told the Associated Press. “I could be seen as someone who fits the stereotype of folks who are being targeted right now.”
These concerns are not unfounded. According to Willamette Week and the Associated Press, earlier this month in Portland, Oregon, Francisco Miranda—a U.S. citizen born in California—was detained by plainclothes, masked officers who did not identify themselves. Miranda was told he was “on an overstay,” a claim he denied, and was threatened with a dog if he did not comply. He was struck from behind, handcuffed, and taken in an unmarked vehicle to the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. After being held for several hours, he was released back to his workplace. Miranda’s attorney, Michael Fuller, has since demanded documentation justifying the detention, stating, “If it truly was an honest mistake that couldn’t have been avoided, then we won’t go to court. Right now, we’ve just been given no answers. And so that’s all we’re asking for at this point, it’s just answers.”
The incident in Oregon is reported to be the first such detention of a U.S. citizen on the pretext of being in the country illegally in the state, though similar cases have occurred in Alabama, Florida, and Southern California. Democratic U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum expressed outrage, declaring, “Masked federal agents aren’t welcome in our state and they can’t keep kidnapping Americans.” The aggressive tactics, she said, are out of step with the values of Oregon and the nation.
Back in Chicago, rumors have swirled for weeks about the possibility of ICE agents targeting the marathon. Event organizers, sensing the unease, sent an email to participants referring them to an immigration “Know Your Rights” page on the city’s website. ICE spokeswoman Tanya Roman attempted to quash the rumors, stating, “It’s absolutely ridiculous to ascertain that ICE would conduct immigration enforcement to intentionally disrupt the Chicago marathon. These are the kind of rumors that fan the flames of dissent and result in unwarranted and dangerous riots like those in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles.”
Customs and Border Protection, another agency active in the crackdown, was less definitive, saying that people in the country legally need not worry. Yet, such assurances have done little to calm the nerves of those who feel at risk. In a recent podcast interview, Kristi Noem, who leads the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—which oversees both ICE and CBP—remarked that immigration officers would be “all over” the upcoming Super Bowl in California, underscoring the heightened enforcement at major public events. While the Super Bowl is a larger gathering, the message is clear: federal agencies are taking a more visible role at high-profile venues.
Chicago has become a particular focus of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Aggressive raids have been reported, the National Guard has been deployed to protect federal property and law enforcement, and protesters at immigration facilities have been arrested. Critics argue that the crackdown has swept up not just undocumented immigrants, but also legal residents and even U.S. citizens, raising concerns about racial profiling and government overreach. “I’m worried about those hundreds, maybe thousands of individuals from out of town, who come from internationally and throughout the nation to run,” said Michael Rodriguez, alderman for Chicago’s 22nd ward, which is home to a large Latino community. “The hotel rooms they stay in, the restaurants they dine in, the money they spend in our city is going to be negatively impacted. Some people might not come, others may choose not to spend their money.”
Indeed, the economic stakes are high. The marathon is not just a sporting event—it’s a vital source of revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. With more than 3,000 runners from Mexico alone registered for this year’s race, concerns about attendance and spending are real. Yet, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson remains optimistic. “I feel strongly about our ability to be able to hold large-scale events, and the strategic security measures that we’re putting in place are to ensure we continue to hold a reputation of hosting large-scale events,” Johnson said this week, emphasizing his confidence that the marathon would proceed smoothly.
As race day approaches, the city finds itself at a crossroads. For some, the marathon remains a symbol of endurance and unity, a day when Chicago puts its best foot forward. For others, it’s a stark reminder of the tensions simmering beneath the surface—tensions that have only grown more pronounced in the current political climate. Whether the fears of enforcement will materialize or fade into rumor remains to be seen. But for now, runners, residents, and city officials alike are bracing for a marathon like no other.
