Whistles Have Become Chicago's Surprising Act of Protest [View all]
CHICAGO—President Trump’s immigration crackdown in Chicago, dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” has prompted an unorthodox form of high-pitched protest: whistles.
Organizers have been sending out the tiny plastic alarm systems by the thousands to residents who want to alert others when immigration agents are in the vicinity. Swim moms in suburban Oak Park are carrying whistles. There are whistles piled in “little free libraries” that neighbors typically use to exchange books. In and around Albany Park—where some of the immigration raids have taken place—cocktail bars, taco joints and pizzerias host parties where residents fold zines, DIY booklets with instructions on how to use them.
The whistle holders are being trained in a simple method: Short bursts to alert that immigration agents are in the area. One sustained note to flag an imminent arrest. The whistling serves a dual purpose: It signals to migrants and others concerned that they could get swept up in one of the raids to avoid the area. It is also intended to attract citizens who want to act as observers of any Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.
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On Friday night, more than 100 people took over the back patio at Nighthawk, a local bar in Albany Park, to pack approximately 3,000 whistles, instructions and other information into resealable bags. The work was done in less than two hours.
Emily Hilleren, 41-year-old who works in data analysis, has helped spearhead the effort at Nighthawk, which started when she ordered some 200 whistles after seeing local news coverage. Hilleren was recently on a walk to grab a coffee when she first put the whistles into action over concerns of ICE presence near an Albany Park high school. She dashed home and grabbed some whistles to hand out to those in the area. “What really resonates is that now you’re being loud. You’re shining a light,” she said.
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