Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
The Trump administration is preparing to launch a significant immigration enforcement operation in Chicago as soon as next week, according to multiple sources familiar with the planning. This action marks a new escalation in ongoing tensions between President Trump and the Democratic-led city, which has policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The operation is anticipated to be larger in scale than previous efforts, utilizing personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Background on Chicago’s Stance and Past Confrontations
President Trump and his administration have frequently criticized Chicago for its “sanctuary city” policies, which restrict local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. Chicago was an early target for immigration operations when Trump first took office, and the administration previously sued the city over these policies, though the case was dismissed. The city also faced threats of withheld federal funding, which a judge subsequently blocked.
More recently, Chicago has contended with an increase in migrants, a situation that intensified during the Biden administration following surges at the U.S. southern border and the transportation of migrants to Democratic-led cities by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Details of the Upcoming Operation
The planned operations in Chicago are expected to be extensive, involving personnel from ICE, CBP, and potentially other agencies. Officials are also preparing the National Guard to provide a peacekeeping presence, similar to deployments following protests in Los Angeles. Preparations are already underway, including the deployment of armored vehicles and a surge of federal agents, with the operation reportedly set to begin by next Friday, September 5. However, discussions remain ongoing, and planning is subject to change.
White House officials have clarified that this immigration enforcement push is distinct from President Trump’s recent suggestions for a broader federal law enforcement and National Guard crackdown on crime in Chicago. While discussions about “cleaning up domestic Chicago crime” are ongoing, they are separate from this immigration-focused effort. The blueprint for the Chicago operation is modeled after recent enforcement actions in Los Angeles, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported making 5,000 arrests since June.
Official Statements and Leadership
White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed on Thursday that planning for Chicago was in progress, noting that a large contingent of personnel would be deployed. He also mentioned discussions about potentially using a Naval base north of Chicago as a hub for federal personnel. Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the El Centro sector, who led operations in Los Angeles, is expected to oversee the Chicago efforts.
A senior Homeland Security official stated that DHS law enforcement is committed to “arresting and removing the worst of worst including gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists.” The official added that ICE and CBP are working to “arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens and make America safe again.”
National Guard’s Role and Legal Considerations
The National Guard’s role in Chicago would be under Title 10 orders, meaning troops would be federalized and prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act from engaging in law enforcement activities. This differs from deployments in Washington, D.C., where troops operate under Title 32 orders, granting them different authorities. Administration officials maintain that the current immigration push falls firmly within the President’s executive authority.
Illinois Governor’s Response
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Trump on Monday for suggesting a larger federal deployment to Chicago. Governor Pritzker accused the administration of “searching for ways to lay the groundwork to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities and end elections.” He also expressed concern over the lack of coordination, stating that his office and the mayor had not been contacted regarding the reported deployment.
The impending immigration enforcement operation in Chicago represents a significant move by the Trump administration to confront cities with “sanctuary” policies. With preparations underway for a large-scale deployment of federal agents and potential National Guard support, the operation is poised to intensify the ongoing political and legal battle over immigration enforcement.
