On January 25, 2025, protesters in Chicago, Illinois, gathered for a rally and march to Trump Tower, calling for an end to the planned deportations. CNN
The Trump administration kicked off a major immigration crackdown in Chicago on Sunday, involving several federal agencies granted expanded powers to arrest undocumented immigrants. The operation aims to enhance public safety and national security by targeting those considered to be threats, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents working alongside officials from the FBI, ATF, DEA, CBP, and U.S. Marshals Service. This multiday operation will be part of a nationwide effort, with similar operations planned in other parts of the U.S.
In a statement, ICE confirmed that the enhanced operation began in Chicago, with the goal of addressing immigration law violations and keeping dangerous criminals out of communities. The federal agencies involved in the operation are focusing on public safety threats, especially individuals with criminal backgrounds. This crackdown is a continuation of efforts by the administration to meet President Trump's commitment to mass deportations.
As part of the broader push to strengthen ICE, the Trump administration has been ramping up arrests across the country. Last year, ICE made over 113,000 arrests, or approximately 310 arrests per day, and it is now pushing for even higher daily arrest numbers. ICE officials have been instructed to meet a quota of 75 arrests per day, placing significant pressure on ICE officers as they attempt to meet these targets.
To support this push, acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive giving law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, authority to enforce immigration laws. This decision is part of the broader strategy to ensure that the administration fulfills its promises regarding deportations. Tom Homan, the White House’s border czar, is in Chicago overseeing operations and has previously said that any undocumented individuals encountered during these operations may also be arrested, including those without criminal backgrounds, in what are referred to as "collateral arrests."
The Chicago Police Department has stated that it will not intervene in these operations, adhering to the city’s "Welcoming City Ordinance," which prohibits sharing information with federal immigration authorities. While the police are not directly involved, they have affirmed that they will not interfere with federal agencies carrying out their duties.
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement marks a sharp contrast to policies under the previous administration. The Biden administration faced criticism from some advocates for a more focused approach, but Trump’s administration is prioritizing more aggressive measures. Homan emphasized that deportations should not be limited by any specific number, as each arrest made contributes to national security and public safety. According to Homan, the administration’s goal is to increase deportations over time and expand the scope of the operation.
As Chicago grapples with a large influx of migrants, tensions between local and federal authorities have been heightened. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed support for targeting violent criminals but raised concerns about the potential impact on law-abiding individuals who have lived in the U.S. for many years. Critics of the operation argue that it could negatively affect hardworking immigrants who are contributing to society.
Immigrant advocacy groups, including the Organized Communities Against Deportation and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, have filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that the operations are targeting Chicago for its status as a sanctuary city. These groups argue that the enforcement actions violate the First and Fourth Amendments by punishing communities for their stance on sanctuary policies.
The federal government has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but ICE has stated it does not discuss ongoing legal matters.
