A Chicago restaurant owner is voicing frustration over what he describes as soft-on-crime policies by city leaders, arguing that a lack of enforcement is fueling violence and insecurity.

"They’re not prosecuting gun violence," the owner said, adding that the situation has created an unsafe environment for both residents and business owners. "You can’t walk late at night."

The comments reflect growing discontent among small business owners across Chicago, many of whom say rising crime has hurt customer confidence and forced them to reconsider their future in the city.

City officials have defended their policies, pointing to broader strategies aimed at addressing crime’s root causes, but critics argue that immediate safety concerns are being overlooked.

The debate highlights an ongoing struggle between community demands for stronger enforcement and calls for reform in how the city handles crime and prosecution.