UPDATE: Residents of the 7500 South Shore Drive apartment building in Chicago have banded together to form the 7500 South Shore Tenants Union, just two months after a shocking raid by federal agents that left many displaced. This urgent move comes as conditions in the building continue to deteriorate, with residents facing significant challenges in their daily lives.
Gathering outside their crumbling home on November 24, 2025, over 36 tenants expressed their solidarity in the face of adversity. The raid on September 30, part of President Donald Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz, saw agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol storm the premises, arresting numerous residents, many of whom were Venezuelan migrants. The operation targeted alleged gang affiliations, specifically the Tren de Aragua, but has since been met with skepticism due to a lack of evidence and ongoing legal battles.
During a press conference, housing organizer Infiniti Gant, flanked by more than 20 residents, stated, “The building has been shut down. Everyone is mandated to get kicked out of the building.” Residents are grappling with severe living conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing legal and management issues surrounding their home. Gant emphasized the dire need for basic living conditions as tenants prepare for potential relocation.
Residents like Mashawnda Price, a single mother, detailed the ongoing struggles within the building, stating, “I’ve had to go weeks without power, gas… and a working shower.” With temperatures dropping, many face the harsh reality of living without heat while dealing with infestations of mice, roaches, and bedbugs. “It’s a building that is falling apart from the inside out,” Price said.
As the situation unfolds, a Cook County judge appointed a third-party receiver to manage the property, aiming to address the ongoing neglect. However, residents remain uncertain about their future, with a proposed move-out date of December 12. The union is demanding immediate restoration of essential services, including heat and electricity, along with $7,500 in relocation assistance for each tenant.
Darren Hightower, a resident for two years, lamented, “Nothing has really happened since the judge appointed Friedman Communities to run the property.” He described ongoing issues with broken elevators and safety concerns, reflecting a long-standing pattern of mismanagement even before the raid.
With visible signs of the raid still haunting the building—boarded windows and “no trespassing” signs—this newly formed union represents a pivotal moment for tenants seeking justice and dignity. As they chant together, “Who got the power? We’ve got the power!” their unity marks a significant pushback against systemic neglect.
Moving forward, the tenants are calling for immediate action from both the management and the Chicago Housing Authority to ensure their safety and well-being during this turbulent time. The formation of the 7500 South Shore Tenants Union is a critical step toward reclaiming their rights and improving their living conditions, and the developments in the coming weeks will be closely watched by the community and beyond.
