The Trump administration has initiated a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, deploying multiple federal agencies to target undocumented immigrants and public safety threats. The move has drawn sharp criticism from local officials, immigrant advocates, and legal experts.
The crackdown, described as “enhanced targeted operations” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), began on Sunday. It involves agents from several federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ICE confirmed that these operations are part of President Trump’s broader immigration agenda to “enforce U.S. immigration law and preserve public safety.”
Last week, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive granting Justice Department law enforcement agencies authority to conduct immigration enforcement. White House border czar Tom Homan described the initiative as a priority-driven approach, starting with public safety and national security threats but leaving room for broader arrests, including “collateral” detentions.
Homan, in Chicago to oversee operations, emphasized the administration’s intention to scale deportations using military flights as a “force multiplier.” He anticipates a steady increase in arrests nationwide. “Every public safety threat removed from this country is a success,” Homan stated.
Chicago’s local government and advocacy groups have condemned the enforcement blitz. The Chicago Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to the city’s “Welcoming City Ordinance,” which limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed conditional support for removing violent criminals but criticized the broader scope of the operations, which he says disproportionately target law-abiding immigrants with deep community ties. “Why are we going after people who are not causing problems in our country?” Pritzker questioned.
Immigrant advocacy groups, including Organized Communities Against Deportation and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, have filed a federal lawsuit against the administration. The suit alleges that Chicago was targeted due to its sanctuary city status, violating constitutional protections under the First and Fourth Amendments.
“President Trump’s administration is using Chicago as a test case to undermine sanctuary city policies and intimidate immigrant communities,” the plaintiffs argue in court filings.
The operation comes as Chicago continues to grapple with an influx of migrants and strained resources, following surges at the southern border and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to bus migrants to Democratic-led cities.
Advocates worry the enforcement efforts will further erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while fueling fear and instability among families.
The Trump administration has faced widespread criticism for its aggressive immigration policies, including efforts to restrict legal pathways, challenge birthright citizenship, and impose harsh penalties on sanctuary jurisdictions.
The White House and ICE have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, while advocacy groups vow to continue fighting against the administration’s actions.