Undocumented activist Antonio Gutierrez empowers Chicago community

Gutierrez has spent 13 years with Organized Communities Against Deportation, connecting with ICE rapid response groups and providing resources for undocumented residents.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Antonio Gutierrez's undocumented status prevented them from pursuing their dream career as an architect, but they instead became a prominent activist in Chicago's immigrant rights movement. For the past 13 years, Gutierrez has worked with Organized Communities Against Deportation (OCAD), connecting with ICE rapid response groups, providing resources for the undocumented community, and empowering others through their own openness about their immigration status.

Why it matters

Gutierrez's story highlights the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in the U.S., as well as the powerful impact that grassroots activism can have in supporting and empowering marginalized communities. Their work with OCAD has helped build a network of support and resistance against deportation efforts in Chicago and beyond.

The details

After graduating in 2012 with an architecture degree, Gutierrez was unable to work in their dream field due to their undocumented status. They instead got involved with the Immigrant Youth Justice League, which led to their long-term role with OCAD. Gutierrez has been instrumental in OCAD's work, from pivoting around new DACA regulations to coordinating rapid response teams and connecting people with resources. They believe being open about their undocumented status is empowering and helps them relate to the community they serve.

  • Gutierrez got involved with OCAD during the second Obama administration in the early 2010s.
  • Gutierrez has been a full-time employee with OCAD for nearly six years.

The players

Antonio Gutierrez

A prominent activist in Chicago's immigrant rights movement who has worked with Organized Communities Against Deportation (OCAD) for the past 13 years.

Organized Communities Against Deportation (OCAD)

A Chicago-based organization that connects with ICE rapid response groups, provides resources for the undocumented community, and empowers immigrants through grassroots activism.

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What they’re saying

“From the very beginning, the slogan of 'Undocumented and Unafraid,' which we created, has been a component of our organizing work that we do. We lived through the first Trump administration and now the second … it is using our stories and our courage so that we can inspire others.”

— Antonio Gutierrez, Strategic Coordinator, Organized Communities Against Deportation (Windy City Times)

“I think right now, ultimately, we all have a responsibility to pick a side, to either stand in the right path of history or to be complicit in the harm that is being created right now. Ultimately, I have to believe—and I truly believe—that we will win. Because we need to believe in that.”

— Antonio Gutierrez, Strategic Coordinator, Organized Communities Against Deportation (Windy City Times)

What’s next

OCAD plans to continue expanding its network of support and resistance beyond Chicago, including connecting with groups in Minneapolis fighting against ICE raids.

The takeaway

Gutierrez's story demonstrates the power of grassroots activism and the importance of undocumented immigrants being empowered to share their stories and fight for their rights. Their work with OCAD has built a strong community of support and resistance in Chicago, inspiring others to get involved and take action against deportation efforts.