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President-elect Donald Trump is set to launch an extensive immigration operation in Chicago next week, initiating what could be the beginning of widespread deportations of undocumented immigrants across the nation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, which obtained information from four sources close to the matter, the operation will deploy between 100 and 200 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers throughout the city. The extensive sweep is scheduled to commence Tuesday, following Trump’s second inauguration, and will continue throughout the week.
The operation primarily targets undocumented immigrants with criminal records, although authorities will also detain any undocumented individuals encountered during the raids. Sources indicate that Trump’s transition team deliberately selected a sanctuary city to send a clear message nationwide.
BREAKING
Trump Administration plans mass deportation operation in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday morning with up to 200 ICE officers conducting a first of its kind massive raid.
Source: @WSJ pic.twitter.com/UWcZ2Uahr2
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) January 18, 2025
At a December gathering, incoming border czar Tom Homan announced Chicago as the chosen location, stating, “We’re going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois.” He further warned, “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.”
Local leadership has expressed strong opposition to the planned operation. Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker have implemented measures preventing Chicago Police Department cooperation with ICE deportation efforts, as reported by WGN-TV.
Does anyone find it odd that it was announced that Chicago will be raided for illegal Aliens ahead of time?
Supposedly four people “familiar with the planning”…. Said so… why broadcast it?
Right before Trump announced Operation Aurora, he said the first place we’re going to… https://t.co/qMePmyjwPI pic.twitter.com/qH5fU9fzBj
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) January 18, 2025
The Chicago Police Department released a statement acknowledging that while they “do not document immigration status” or collaborate with federal immigration authorities, they “will not intervene or interfere with any other government agencies performing their duties.”
Multiple city institutions, including Chicago Public Schools, the Transit Authority, Park District, and Community Colleges, have received directives to deny ICE access to their facilities.
Governor Pritzker responded to Homan’s statements with concern about the incoming administration’s approach, saying, “I’m going to make sure to follow the law. I’m concerned that the Trump administration and his lackeys aren’t going to follow the law.”
