Chicago Roundup: Key Events in the Last 12 Hours

Here’s a numbered roundup of notable events and developments in Chicago over the past 12 hours.

1. Shots Fired in East Side Neighborhood (Around 4:30 PM CDT): Reports of multiple gunshots at 10635 S Ave M, with the shooter allegedly fleeing into the location. Anonymous tip via scanner; no immediate details on injuries or arrests.
2. CPD Ordered to Clear Downtown Area (Around 2:14 PM CDT): Chicago Police Department units downtown received orders to vacate the Roosevelt and Wabash area for 90 minutes due to unspecified Cook County activities. Speculation included potential media events or operations, but no confirmation. Local observers noted marked cars nearby, possibly tied to a new satellite station opening.
3. ICE Raids at Swap-O-Rama Flea Market (Ongoing from Morning CDT): At least 12 vendors arrested by masked federal agents (ICE) at 47th and Ashland. Community members described it as targeting illegal immigrants. Protests erupted, leading to a battery in progress call at 47th/Western where demonstrators clashed with Border Patrol officers. A caravan of citizens was reported heading west on 39th to locate agents. Security at nearby Home Depot confirmed activity across the street. Political commentary highlighted enforcement of immigration laws.
4. Battery on CTA Blue Line Platform (Around 12:26 PM CDT): Fight reported at Clark-Lake station involving men, women, and children. No details on injuries or arrests; scanner call classified as battery in progress.
5. Migrant Pleads Guilty in Logan Square Stabbing (Court Update Around 10:12 AM CDT): A Venezuelan migrant received a 10-year sentence for nearly killing the mother of his children during an attack inside Bubbleland laundromat. Case highlights ongoing migrant-related crime issues.
6. Border Patrol Shooting Case Update (Court Hearing Around 12:52 PM CDT): In federal court, Marimar Martinez, accused of ramming a Border Patrol agent’s vehicle, demanded a speedy trial to clear her name after being labeled a “domestic terrorist.” Her attorney criticized the handling of evidence, including allowing the agent to drive the vehicle 1,100 miles back to Maine.
7. Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Tax Hikes (Announcement Around 10:45 AM CDT): Plans to introduce several tax increases discussed, with criticism for lacking focus on spending reductions. Tied to broader fiscal debates in the city.
8. Senior Mayoral Advisor Retained Despite IG Recommendation (Update Around 8:23 AM CDT): Inspector General urged firing a top aide for non-cooperation in a “services for vote” probe, but Mayor Johnson kept him on staff. Raises questions about accountability.
9. Political Endorsements and Commentary (Around 2:52 PM CDT): State Senator Robert Peters received endorsement from Congresswoman Ramirez for his congressional run, criticized as predictable leftist alignment. Separate commentary on Evanston ICE activity urged community vigilance. (@Libs_OfChicago)
10. General Public Safety Shifts (Around 1:54 PM CDT): Transition to “Third Watch” noted on scanners, signaling evening patrol changes amid ongoing incidents.

These events paint a picture of heightened immigration enforcement tensions, scattered violence, and political maneuvering in Chicago today.