Donald Trump’s upcoming administration is set to initiate a significant immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, scheduled for the day after his inauguration, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Friday, citing sources familiar with the plans.
The raid, which is expected to begin Tuesday, will continue throughout the week, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deploying between 100 to 200 officers for the operation.
While Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to inquiries, a source close to the incoming administration confirmed that ICE’s enforcement efforts would expand nationwide, with no particular concentration in Chicago. “This will be a nationwide operation,” the source said, mentioning that arrests would take place in cities like New York and Miami as well.
Trump’s appointed border czar, Tom Homan, spoke at an event in Chicago, stating that the administration would begin the operations in the city. “If the mayor of Chicago doesn’t cooperate, he should step aside. However, if he actively obstructs us or shields illegal immigrants, we will take legal action,” Homan added.
Immigration was a central issue during Trump’s election campaign, and he reaffirmed his commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement. “Upon taking office, we will launch the largest domestic deportation effort in American history,” Trump declared in January 2024.
The Trump administration is expected to leverage various federal agencies to carry out mass deportations, further intensifying its pressure on “sanctuary” cities to cooperate.
