Joaquin Brito locked his East Side bakery as federal agents threw tear gas last fall. He still worries today.
- Posted on September 13, 2026
- By Chicago Tribune
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
A small business owner on the East Side recounts the traumatic impact of federal law enforcement operations that forced him to temporarily close his bakery. Months after the incident involving tear gas deployment, he continues to navigate the aftermath with heightened vigilance. The neighborhood, once abandoned after dark during the crisis, has gradually shown signs of recovery, though persistent security concerns remain part of his daily operational reality.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
Joaquin Brito locked his East Side bakery as federal agents threw tear gas last fall. He still worries today.
At the height of the blitz, he remembered that the East Side neighborhood was deserted after 7 or 8 p.m. Today, it’s better, but he still keeps a look out.
