Chicago restaurants are on high alert as the Trump administration gears up for immigration sweeps in major cities. With the possibility of ICE inspections looming, local businesses are scrambling to ensure their employees have the right paperwork and know their rights. Sam Toia, head of the Illinois Restaurant Association, has been fielding calls from worried restaurant owners. His advice? “Make sure your staff has their I-9 forms ready and comply with ICE if they show up,” he says. Toia is also connecting members with immigration lawyers to provide quick legal support if needed. “If ICE comes knocking, give me a call,” he adds, emphasizing the critical role foreign-born workers play in Chicago’s hospitality scene. Across the country, businesses are preparing for similar scenarios. Since Trump’s election win, the American Business Immigration Coalition has hosted dozens of training sessions for over a thousand employers. These sessions aim to help companies, especially smaller ones, navigate potential disruptions. Rebecca Shi, the coalition’s executive director, stresses the importance of compliance while reminding employers of their rights. “If ICE arrives, ask for a warrant and take the 72-hour window to gather documents,” she advises. The uncertainty is already causing ripple effects. Some workers, even those with legal status, are avoiding work to steer clear of ICE. Businesses that rely on immigrant customers are also seeing a dip in sales as people stay home. Chicago restaurateur Sam Sanchez isn’t taking any chances. He’s ensuring his HR team has all employee I-9 forms ready and advising staff to carry their work permits and visas. While he supports targeting immigrants with criminal records, Sanchez is also advocating for legal pathways for long-term undocumented workers. “Many of my employees voted for Trump,” he says, highlighting the complex views within immigrant communities. As the sweeps approach, Chicago’s restaurants are doing their best to stay prepared—and hoping for a fair and balanced approach to immigration enforcement.