Not all superheroes wear capes; some just ride a bike through the streets of Chicago, Illinois, to ensure immigrant street sellers get back home safely. A TikTok video captured the touching act of kindness. “Can you imagine being a street vendor and then having a group of cyclists just show up and tell you they want to buy out all your food?” a woman in the clip began.
She identified the group as Cycling Solidarity, in partnership with The Street Vendors Association. Together, they helped street vendors struggling with low sales amid increased ICE activities in their community. A local who was interviewed in the clip explained that since ICE had been “terrorizing” their city for the past month, the group of cyclists decided to take action.
“Buying out street vendors, buying everything they have so they can go home and be safe with their families,” he noted. A beneficiary of their act of kindness, Salomon, who sold all his food in a couple of minutes, expressed his gratitude to the group. The narrator of the clip said that the initiative, which “combined a passion for cycling, mutual aid, and community, began during the pandemic.”
The clip sparked numerous comments, some admiring the solidarity and love for the community, while others turned their anger toward Trump and the MAGA movement. “I saw these cyclists in La Villita, and it warmed my heart seeing them do this. I hope this type of solidarity continues,” a user wrote before adding bluntly, “[Expletive] ICE.” Another comment read, “This is what support & solidarity in your community looks like and the kind of thing we all need to start doing more.”
A user joked, “Best biker gang ever…” While another reflected, “We are crossing through dark times, but as long as there are good people fighting back, we have hope.” Echoing their thoughts, a netizen added, “Wow, beautiful. This is real action despite/ amid the endless shitty chaos, real community. It is the kind of thing I’ve desperately been looking to join. Hope they keep it up.” The praises continued, “I looove this! Rich people paying it forward! (Rich as in more than 6 figures or have disposable income in this economy).”
A user admitted, “Every day I see the people of Illinois coming together in creative ways to support their neighbors, and ngl it’s getting me emotional.” Trump critics chimed in, “Our people (& yes, illegals, as well) are so good! Is Trump punishing America because he resents our solidarity? Our willingness to help each other? A narcissist can’t feel the satisfaction of brotherhood.” Another wrote, “See that MAGA? That’s the kind of thing Jesus would do and support. Go read the parable of the good Samaritan, and look up what a Samaritan actually was.”
