More than 300 individuals with a history of serious and violent crimes will be targeted by federal immigration officers following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as stated by an anonymous official. This marks the initial step by the new administration towards fulfilling Trump’s promise of widespread deportations. The operation will focus primarily on the Chicago area, with arrests expected throughout the week.
While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement typically arrests only a fraction of its targets in such operations, Trump’s administration is anticipated to cast a wider net compared to President Joe Biden’s approach, which focused mainly on individuals with significant criminal backgrounds and security threats. Additionally, Trump’s team has indicated they may also arrest individuals such as spouses or roommates who are not direct targets but are residing in the country unlawfully.
The plan, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, is expected to commence on Tuesday. Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border czar, stated that Chicago is just one of many locations where federal authorities plan to carry out arrests, emphasizing a more aggressive approach to enforcing immigration laws.
Trump reiterated in an interview with NBC News that mass deportations are a high priority, with plans to initiate them swiftly. The exact starting date and city have not been disclosed, but Trump assured that the operations would commence soon, targeting criminal elements within the country.
Preparations for the upcoming operations have been underway, as immigrant communities and advocacy groups have been bracing themselves since Trump’s campaign promises of extensive deportations. Chicago, a sanctuary city with strong protections for undocumented individuals, has been a particular focus of Trump’s criticism. Despite the looming enforcement actions, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have maintained their commitment to upholding sanctuary policies.
The enforcement operations are contingent on weather conditions, as forecasters have warned of severe cold weather in the Chicago area. Amidst the uncertainty, advocates for immigrant rights remain vigilant, anticipating potential challenges ahead.
Chicago and Illinois are among the locations where advocacy efforts have been ramped up to educate immigrants on their rights in the early stages of the current administration. Advocates have taken the initiative to inform immigrants through various means, such as establishing phone trees to promptly notify them of the locations where arrests by officers are taking place. They also advise immigrants that officers often conduct their operations during the early-morning hours, catching many off guard. Importantly, officers typically operate without warrants that would legally allow them to forcefully enter a residence.
“We’re just trying to be as ready as we can,” remarked Lee. “We’re never going to know all the details of ICE operations. But for members of the community, knowing their rights is empowering.”
Democratic U.S. Representatives Jesus Garcia and Delia Ramirez, during a news conference on Saturday, emphasized the importance for immigrants in Chicago to remain composed and assert their rights, particularly the right to remain silent and to refuse entry to officers without proper warrants.
“We are being tested once again,” stated Garcia. “We have experience defending our community.”
