CHICAGO (Wales) — President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans are raising concerns from leaders of immigrant communities in Chicago to the halls of Congress.

There are calls for President Joe Biden to take action before he leaves office.

ABC7 Chicago now broadcasts 24/7. Click here to watch

The Trump administration’s plans to begin mass deportations of millions of immigrants without permanent legal status are ringing alarm bells in Little Village and other communities with large immigrant populations.

“So, we are afraid of these threats of deportation,” said Pastor Emma Lozano of Lincoln United Methodist Church.

Lozano, who gave shelter to Elvira Arellano at her church in Humboldt Park nearly two decades ago, is calling on Biden to act now.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump says what he’ll do on day one if re-elected

“Giving temporary protected status to people who have lived here for decades, paid taxes, are possibly married to U.S. citizens, or have U.S. citizen children or ‘Dreamer’ children,” Lozano said. he said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is preparing to do what it can to protect families whose members lack permanent legal status.

The deputy mayor for Immigrant, Immigrant and Refugee Rights says Chicago will not be bullied because of its Welcoming City Ordinance.

“We cannot cooperate with ICE to facilitate mass deportations; our mayor has made it clear that he will not hesitate,” said Beatriz Ponce de Leon, deputy mayor for Immigrant, Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “We will continue to keep our regulation in place and comply with it.”

One of the biggest concerns is whether deportation will separate families.

“The idea that he’s just going to deport undocumented people, people with criminal records, on the first day is a complete lie,” said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents Chicago and some western suburbs.

“Look what happens. Look what happens when the debate starts. People will come to their senses and leave some of this rhetoric behind. They will say, ‘Yes, they are dangerous people, get rid of them. For God’s sake, don’t break up that family. These are good people,'” Sen said. Dick Durbin.

Community leaders like Lozano believe that if Chicago begins experiencing mass deportations, churches may need to step in to provide shelter for families.