The Trump Administration is preparing to initiate widespread arrests of undocumented immigrants within 24 hours following Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The report indicates that the new administration intends to conduct a significant operation in Chicago as early as Tuesday. Immigration officials are prioritizing individuals with criminal records or those who already have deportation orders, as part of a larger initiative to enhance the capabilities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to four sources familiar with the plans, the operation in Chicago is expected to extend throughout the first week of the Trump Administration, with ICE anticipated to deploy over 200 officers for the arrests.
A separate source corroborated this information in a statement to Reuters, asserting, “We’re going to be doing operations all across the country,” in response to inquiries about the Wall Street Journal report. However, this source also clarified that while there would be a focus on various locations, including New York and Miami, the emphasis on a raid in Chicago may not be as pronounced.
Tom Homan, designated to oversee mass deportation and border security initiatives in the new administration, was questioned about the likelihood of a significant raid in Chicago on Tuesday during a Fox News appearance.
A significant nationwide operation is set to take place, with Chicago being one of several targeted locations. The agency has established 24 field offices throughout the country. On Tuesday, ICE will commence its enforcement activities. The incoming border czar stated, “We will empower ICE to apprehend individuals who are in the country illegally. Our directive to ICE is clear: enforce immigration laws unapologetically, prioritizing the most serious public safety threats, although no individual is exempt. If someone is unlawfully present, they will face consequences.”
President-elect Trump has consistently promised to initiate mass deportation efforts immediately upon taking office, focusing initially on violent offenders and those with pending deportation orders. Currently, over 7 million individuals are on ICE’s non-detained docket. A separate source informed Fox News, “The administration has made it clear that arrests will begin on day one, and Chicago is likely not the only city where these actions will occur.”
These forthcoming raids coincide with statements from various Democratic officials in “sanctuary” jurisdictions, which resist federal immigration enforcement by not cooperating with ICE. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is among those who have expressed intentions to oppose the Trump Administration’s deportation efforts as the potential operation in Chicago approaches.
He remarked to MSNBC last month, “To those who seek to undermine the freedom, opportunity, and dignity of Illinois residents, I remind you that a determined advocate will stand firm. If you target my community, you will have to confront me directly.”
In response to Pritzker’s remarks, Homan stated assertively, “We are ready for this challenge. We have no qualms about proceeding despite his opposition. The 20,000 dedicated personnel at ICE are prepared to fulfill their duties without apology. Congress has enacted laws to safeguard this nation.”
