Chicago immigration crackdowns cost local businesses over $1.2 billion, study says

The short version

• A University of Illinois Chicago study found immigration crackdowns beginning in early 2025 cost local businesses over $1.26 billion and cost the state $107 million in tax revenue.[NPR]
• Using anonymous cellphone GPS data, researchers measured a 9% decline in retail visits and a 10% decline in restaurant visits lasting about a year.[NPR]
• The White House argued the sweeps protect communities by targeting individuals charged or convicted of crimes, but ICE agency data indicates roughly 70% of current detainees lack convictions.[NPR]

Key facts

• Immigration crackdowns that began in early 2025 cost retail stores and restaurants in non-immigrant neighborhoods roughly $1.26 billion and Illinois an estimated $107 million in taxes.[NPR]
• Researchers using anonymous cellphone GPS data observed a 9 percent drop in retail visits and a 10 percent drop in restaurant visits across Cook County.[NPR]
• White House spokesperson Lauren Bis stated that nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve individuals charged or convicted of a crime.[NPR]
• ICE agency statistics indicate that roughly 70% of individuals currently held in detention do not have criminal convictions.[NPR]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• New report shows the economic toll of ICE raidsNPR - Top News