Rev Homero Sanchez said he didn't realise the depth of fear in the Chicago immigrant community he serves until someone asked him to handle the sale of their family's home and other finances if they are picked up this week when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Immigrants in large cities have been preparing for mass arrests since Trump won the election last November, but reports that his initial push would be in the Chicago area has brought a new sense of urgency and fear.

"They feel they have been targeted for who they are. They feel like they're reviving this fear they had eight years ago," said Sanchez of St Rita of Cascia Parish on Chicago's South Side. "They're feeling like something is going to happen. This is not their city because of the threat." Sanchez, whose congregation has consisted mostly of people of Mexican descent since the 1980s, devoted Sunday mass "to solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters". Some immigrants in the country without legal status have been designating power of attorney to trusted friends, making plans for childcare in case of separations and installing security cameras on their doors in case immigration agents come. Others have left voluntarily, as Trump aides have encouraged them to do.