The Trump administration plans to launch a large-scale immigration raid in Chicago starting Tuesday, expected to last throughout the week. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will deploy between 100 and 200 officers to conduct the operation. This action comes as part of President Trump's broader strategy to intensify immigration enforcement across the United States. The Wall Street Journal reported the planned raid, citing four individuals familiar with the administration's strategy.
Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump's presidential campaign, with an emphasis on increasing deportations. The incoming administration has indicated that there will not be a special focus or additional personnel surge in Chicago. However, Trump's incoming border czar, Tom Homan, has remarked that the administration would "start right here in Chicago, Illinois."
"Within moments of my inauguration, we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history."
— Donald Trump
The operation is scheduled to begin the day after Trump takes office, as part of his commitment to utilize all available resources and pressure "sanctuary" jurisdictions to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. A source knowledgeable about the administration's plans stated that ICE operations would occur nationwide.
"We’re going to be doing operations all across the country. You’re going to see arrests in New York. You’re going to see arrests in Miami."
— A source with knowledge of the incoming administration’s plans
Tom Homan emphasized his stance on local cooperation, stating that any local officials obstructing federal efforts would face prosecution.
"And if the Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us, if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien, I will prosecute him."
— Tom Homan
The Trump administration aims to deport record numbers of immigrants, building upon efforts initiated during Trump's first term. President Trump has expressed his determination to mobilize various US government agencies to assist in these efforts.
Trump's transition team has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment regarding this operation. The planned raid aligns with Trump's January 2024 comments on expected arrests in major cities like New York and Miami.