As fears of ICE raids intensify, a bustling Chicago district, often referred to as the "Mexico of the Midwest," has become a ghost town.

Since President Donald Trump took office Monday, fears of deportation have heightened in Chicago's predominantly Latino community, Little Village, also known as the "Mexico of the Midwest," resulting in a significant drop in foot traffic, according to a Fox 32 Chicago report.

"According to Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, the district has experienced significantly less foot traffic and customers than usual, particularly on weekends."

The southwestern part of Chicago is home to Little Village, a two-mile-long retail corridor that boasts nearly 500 businesses, including stores, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Michael Rodriguez, an alderman for the 22nd ward, stated that the community of Little Village is not deserted solely because of the cold weather. Instead, he explained to the local station that the fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting large-scale raids in the Mexican-American neighborhood is also a contributing factor.

"Rodriguez stated that there is a significant amount of fear among the community, which he believes is due to the decrease in activity in their neighborhood. The fear is tangible and has been expressed by residents. People in the streets are expressing their fear of ICE agents showing up at their homes, workplaces, places of worship, or schools. This is a problem."

ICE raids are possible under Trump's new crackdown on illegal immigration, but there have been no signs of deportation yet, according to Leo Pargo, a community activist who's been monitoring the neighborhoods for any ICE activity.

"Pargo informed Fox 32 that they have been conducting surveillance in Little Village and Pilsen for any ICE agents or potential raids, but so far, they have not found anything."

The district, which generates $900 million in annual revenue, will be economically affected by the looming fears of workers and shoppers staying at home, according to Aguilar, as stated in the report.

""Staying afloat is challenging, especially at the start, and it causes anxiety about the future," Aguilar stated."

Anyone living in Chicago and receiving services from the city experiences significant pain, as Aguilar stated.

Chicago, as a haven for migrants, confronts Trump's promise to combat illegal immigration, which he announced during his inaugural speech on Monday: "Immediately, all illegal immigration will cease, and we will initiate the process of deporting millions of undocumented individuals back to their countries of origin."

On Tuesday, Tom Homan, Trump's designated border czar, stated that ICE agents have been deployed nationwide to execute operations.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pledged to resist the president's immigration plans and guaranteed that the city's local police will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement under the 2017 Illinois Trust Act.

"Johnson wrote on Sunday that Chicago's commitment to protecting and supporting the city remains unwavering, regardless of the circumstances. He pledged to continue fighting for justice and safety for all residents of the city."