Introduction to the Crisis
BELMONT CRAGIN — Belmont Cragin restaurants that have been struggling for months due to ICE-related fears are seeing some relief after people from around the city visited the neighborhood to eat, drink and shop.
The Struggle is Real
Las Casitas, 5746 W. Belmont Ave., saw a big bump in business after it was featured in a Block Club story this month about businesses suffering due to ICE and Border Patrol presence in the neighborhood, co-owner Liz Herrera said. The family-owned restaurant, which has been in the neighborhood for more than 20 years, had been slow for weeks — but things are finally picking up.
A Glimmer of Hope
“That first day [after the story published] I had to help work because it was crazy busy. I had to tell people there was a wait time, so it was a beautiful outcome,” said Herrera, who owns the restaurant with her father. “We are truly grateful; it put a smile on my dad’s face, and he said he could not believe it.”
Community Support
Several Block Club readers sent messages about their dining experience at Las Casitas after the story, and one couple left a note at the restaurant.
Even this weekend, the restaurant was busy with new customers, a nice surprise that will help the business pay its employees and other bills after several weeks of slow business and not being able to pay some workers, Herrera said.
Uncertain Future
Prior to the increased attention, Herrera worried the family would need to close the restaurant by the end of the year, she said. While the sales increase has been a relief, Herrera said closure is still not off the table.
“If sales keep up, then we might be OK not to close it,” she said. “I have put my own finances into this before, and if I can’t do it anymore, then yes, [it’ll close]. But we’re trying not to since lots of people have visited the restaurant and there are many loyal customers and employees. We don’t want to let it go.”
Community Efforts to Help
The Hermosa Belmont Cragin Chamber of Commerce hopes to prevent a wave of small business closures with a $50,000 fundraiser that will distribute funds to struggling businesses in the area like Las Casitas. It’s raising the money through its annual Abuelita Hot Chocolate 5K Run/Walk, which is 9 a.m. Nov. 8 at Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
The Human Impact
Increased ICE activity and agents detaining people in the area has been stressful for Herrera and other immigrant families and business owners, but seeing the community come together is inspiring, she said.
“We’re trying to stay together and do what we always do: work hard, keep our families going, and that is essentially what people came here for,” Herrera said. “It’s so cruel what they are doing out there.”
Chefs at Las Casitas Restaurant at 5746 W. Belmont Ave. are seen working on a few takeout orders Oct. 16, 2025 in Belmont Cragin. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago
Community Events
Alonso Zaragoza, one of the organizers of Whistlemania and leader of Belmont Cragin United, is also organizing mini restaurant crawls called Taste of Belmont Cragin.
Last week’s first event brought dozens of people from Lakeview, Lincoln Park, the North Shore suburbs and other areas to Belmont Cragin restaurants along Armitage Avenue despite the cold, Zaragoza said. He’s also seeing more donations for Whistlemania events, which train residents how to safely record ICE and Border Patrol agents and provide whistles so neighbors can warn each other when agents are nearby. There are now 55 active chapters, he said.
A Successful Event
“Tuesday’s event was amazing — I got there and didn’t see anyone out there, but then I looked inside the restaurants and [they were] packed. Guerrerense was packed, Taqueria La Paz was packed,” Zaragoza said. “Frankly, it was almost all white people — this is what it was intended to be. Thank you to a whole bunch of people.”
Future Events
The next Taste of Belmont Cragin is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. Attendees are encouraged to visit four Latin businesses along Diversey between Lockwood and Leclaire avenues.
Steadfast in his commitment to support his own community, Zaragoza is planning three more crawls for the coming weeks. The next one will focus on businesses near Central and Belmont avenues, then a few in Hermosa and then local ice cream shops in Belmont Cragin. More details will be posted to the Belmont Cragin United’s social media.
Conclusion
The community’s support for Belmont Cragin restaurants is a heartwarming example of how people can come together to help those in need. The increased sales and attention have brought relief to struggling businesses, and the community events have fostered a sense of unity and solidarity.
FAQs
Q: What is happening to Belmont Cragin restaurants?
A: Belmont Cragin restaurants have been struggling due to ICE-related fears, but the community has come together to support them.
Q: What is the Taste of Belmont Cragin?
A: The Taste of Belmont Cragin is a series of mini restaurant crawls organized by Alonso Zaragoza to support local businesses.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can attend the Taste of Belmont Cragin events, visit local restaurants, and donate to Whistlemania to support the community.
