CHICAGO - Reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could soon be leaving Chicago are sparking mixed emotions across the city, particularly in Little Village, where many business owners say immigration fears have turned the neighborhood into a ghost town.

What we know:

Along 26th Street, shops that were once packed with customers are now struggling to stay open. Some owners say sales have dropped to levels worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We’ve seen sales drop dramatically, worse than COVID," said Miguel Rodriguez, owner of La Jalicience Grocery Store. "There are days where we have no sales at all. I mean, we’re here all day."

Business owners say the decline started when immigration enforcement activity ramped up in the neighborhood. Fear, they say

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