US federal authorities have initiated a series of immigration raids in Chicago, marking a significant escalation in enforcement actions. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed this development in a statement released on Sunday. This move comes shortly after Tom Homan, the incoming "border czar," indicated that officials were "reconsidering" the strategy following leaked details to the press. The coordinated operation involves multiple federal agencies, including ICE, FBI, ATF, DEA, CBP, and the US Marshals Service, conducting "enhanced targeted operations" to apprehend undocumented immigrants.
The Wall Street Journal reported that ICE would deploy between 100 and 200 officers to execute these operations. The Trump administration aims to increase daily arrests from a few hundred to 1,200-1,500, intensifying the crackdown on undocumented individuals. In line with this effort, the justice department has instructed federal prosecutors to scrutinize state and local officials who may be seen as obstructing immigration policies.
Local Democratic leaders in Chicago, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have expressed strong opposition to the raids. They have pledged to protect immigrant communities from these enforcement actions. Governor Pritzker emphasized the contributions of immigrants to the state, stating:
"They’re good for our state. They’re good for our economy. They’re paying taxes. These are law-abiding people who are stabilizing communities often" – JB Pritzker
Many of Chicago's estimated 400,000 undocumented residents have reportedly remained indoors to avoid possible encounters with federal law enforcement. The Trump administration had previously declared Chicago as a focal point for immigration enforcement due to its considerable undocumented population. Before President Trump took office, unnamed officials revealed plans to target over 300 individuals in the area, specifically those with violent criminal histories.
The administration's deportation efforts predominantly focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds or gang affiliations. Notably, members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and El Salvador's Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are among those targeted. In response to Colombia's refusal to accept deportation flights without assurances of migrant dignity, President Trump threatened severe economic repercussions against Colombia.
"These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!" – Donald Trump
The Department of Homeland Security echoed a firm stance on enforcement actions by stating:
"Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest" – Department of Homeland Security
The raids form part of a broader initiative to reverse policies from the Biden administration and declare a state of emergency at the US-Mexico border. This declaration enables federal agencies to ramp up law enforcement activities, including deportations of individuals deemed national security threats.
Governor Pritzker and other state leaders have vowed unwavering support for immigrant communities. He expressed his commitment by saying:
"We’re going to stand up for them in the state of Illinois and do everything that we can to protect them" – JB Pritzker
Despite federal crackdowns, local officials argue that such measures harm families and destabilize communities rather than address underlying issues.
"Ripping those families apart, not acceptable to Americans" – JB Pritzker