Federal Agents Raid Businesses in Chicago's Hispanic Neighborhood

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents went door to door searching businesses in a strip mall in the Little Village area of Chicago yesterday. They were seeking to arrest individuals and businesses involved in selling counterfeit Social Security numbers, "green cards, " and other forms of U.S. identification. It is believed that the organization responsible has roots in Mexico and operates in other U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles and Denver.

Twenty-two people were taken into custody and charged with conspiring to make counterfeit documents. Twelve others are listed as fugitives. The documents are sold on street corners in the Little Village neighborhood, mainly near Albany and 26th Street. It is reported that agents seized computers, printers, scanners, a cutting board, hundreds of blank identification cards, and over a thousand dollars in cash.

Federal officials said today that the underground business has become "competitive and violent." One of the men arrested is believed to be the cell leader for Little Village. He faces federal charges of conspiracy for allegedly hiring someone to kill two of his competitors.

Witnesses say that agents, donned in full gear, surrounded the mall on Tuesday afternoon. Residents rushed to the scene as the news spread. A local news station, CBS 2, quoted one illegal immigrant as saying, ""Selling illegal papers to immigrants so we can work, basically. That's all we buy them for, is to work" A crowd of about 300 people gathered on Tuesday to protest the raid.

Critics say that the agents went overboard in wearing full attire and likened them to soldiers. They also accused them of intimidation tactics. On May 1, a national show of pro-immigration will take place, including a march similar to those in previous years. Some feel yesterday's forceful roundup was an attempt to curtail the demonstrations planned in Chicago.

Earlier this month, officials and employees of one Illinois company, Quality Service Integrity Inc., were arrested and charged with the purchase of false employment documents. The paperwork was believed to be obtained in Chicago. Federal officials have not said if they were purchased from the ring associated with yesterday's raid.

Just two weeks ago, Zogby, a leading public opinion polling company, asked U.S. residents about the immigration issue. Sixty percent of those surveyed said they want to see current laws enforced and disagree with illegal aliens having a "path to citizenship." More than 58 percent of participants want tougher laws. Another poll said that close to one-third of people believe the biggest threat to national security is the U.S. - Mexico border. Thirteen percent cited the student exchange program that the U.S. has with Middle Eastern nations as the main threat.

Lawmakers claim that the biggest reason that immigration reform has not been resolved is public division on the issue. Skeptics accuse them of not wanting to upset voter bases with the upcoming Presidential election looming. It looks like the American people will continue to wait on a solution while criminals continue to profit from it.