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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 M.: Chicago tamale vendor held six months in ICE detention
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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.

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