-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
The incoming Trump administration plans to launch a large-scale immigration raid in Chicago next Tuesday, marking the first step in President-Elect Donald Trump’s pledge for mass deportations.
According to sources familiar with the planning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will deploy between 100 and 200 officers for the operation, expected to last throughout the week.
The initiative focuses on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, even minor offenses like traffic violations, which were often overlooked during the Biden administration. However, sources indicate that any undocumented individuals present during arrests will also face deportation.
The Trump team’s decision to target Chicago stems from its status as a sanctuary city and its large immigrant population. The operation aligns with broader efforts to challenge liberal policies and sanctuary city protections.
The feud between Trump’s team and Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson adds a political dimension to the raid. Tom Homan, the incoming Border Czar, emphasized the administration’s stance during a recent visit to Chicago, warning that officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement could face prosecution.
The Trump transition team and ICE declined to comment, and local officials, including Mayor Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have not responded to inquiries. Governor Pritzker criticized the plan, expressing concerns about legal compliance by the incoming administration.
Chicago Police Department (CPD) stated it will adhere to the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance, refraining from documenting immigration status or sharing information with federal authorities. CPD clarified it will not interfere with federal agencies performing immigration enforcement duties.
Beyond Chicago, other immigrant-dense cities like New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami are also being considered for future raids.
The Trump administration is exploring additional measures to pressure sanctuary cities, including converting facilities near major urban centers into detention spaces and tying federal grants to local cooperation with ICE. Lawsuits against non-compliant cities are also being evaluated.
Chicago has become a focal point for GOP criticism of progressive immigration policies. Over 51,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022, straining local resources and fueling political debates.
Advocates like Fasika Alem of the United African Organization in Chicago are working to prepare immigrant communities, ensuring they know their rights and have contingency plans for family care during potential separations.
The raid marks a contentious start to Trump’s immigration agenda, with significant implications for sanctuary cities, immigrant communities, and industries reliant on immigrant labor.
As the operation unfolds, both supporters and critics are watching closely to gauge the broader impact on policy and public opinion.
