Laura M.: Chicago tamale vendor held six months in ICE detention
Laura Murillo, 55, ran a tamale stand supporting her daughters Génesis and Daniela until her arrest in September 2025. Released in March 2026, she is now pursuing legal status and rebuilding her life.
Sep 2025Chicago, ILCountry of origin: Mexico

Laura Murillo, a 55-year-old immigrant from Mexico and mother of two, was arrested by ICE in September 2025 while operating her tamale vending stand near Home Depot on 47th Street and Western Avenue during Operation Midway Blitz. She spent six months in federal immigration detention before being released in March 2026 following a court order rather than deportation. Murillo's tamale business, which she had operated for years, allowed her to support her daughters Génesis and Daniela and provide flexible work to other women in her community. Since her release, she says she is in the process of obtaining legal status and is rebuilding her life with a focus on her family, faith, and a slower pace rather than the constant work that previously defined her.
Tags
Sources
- After six months in ICE detention, a Chicago tamale vendor rebuilds her life
WBEZ·Aug 13, 2026·archived copy
- Community rallies to sell tamales for vendor arrested by ICE near Home Depot on SW Side
ABC7 Chicago·Sep 26, 2025·archived copy
- Chicago woman selling tamales detained by ICE in Back of the Yards, fiancé says
FOX 32 Chicago·Sep 25, 2025
- Block Club Chicago
Show 1 more source ↓Show fewer sources ↑
Loading…
More incidents in Illinois
- Silverio V.G.: Line cook and father of two fatally shot by ICE near ChicagoOct 8, 2026 · Franklin Park, IL
- Marimar M.: U.S. citizen teaching assistant shot seven times by Border Patrol agentOct 5, 2026 · Chicago, IL
- U.S. citizen mistaken for fugitive tackled by ICE agents, hospitalized in EvanstonOct 4, 2026 · Evanston, IL
- Boy, 5, left with homeless caregiver after father deported to MexicoSep 28, 2026 · Illinois
- Eight men arrested by ICE in Woodstock and Waukegan, IllinoisSep 25, 2026 · Waukegan, IL
- Christina P.: DACA recipient held by ICE for 7 months, son didn't recognize herSep 22, 2026 · Broadview, IL