Social networks play a fundamental role in creating strategic alliances among migrant organizations. However, little is known about the local conditions that increase the capacity of these organizations to establish strategic alliances with community based organizations. This article studies the relevance of "place" to understand processes of binational civic engagement among Mexican immigrants affiliated to hometown associations, home state federations, and other community-based organizations in metropolitan Chicago. It concludes that "place" is fundamental to understanding political mobilization and social contestation strategies displayed by Mexican immigrant organizations in Chicago. Yet the article also cautions about the possible negative consequences of highly-concentrated political actions of immigrant associations in specific geographical areas for long-term visible political activism beyond their territorial comfort zones.