Federal Immigration Crackdown Begins in Chicago as Agents Deploy
Federal Immigration Crackdown Begins in Chicago as Agents Deploy
Federal immigration agents have begun deploying in Chicago as of Friday, September 5, launching a large-scale operation expected to last more than a month. The mission, focusing on immigration arrests and raids across the city and surrounding areas, is anticipated to run daily for approximately 45 days, with the ICE processing center in suburban Broadview designated as the primary facility for detained immigrants.
Over 200 agents, including personnel from Customs and Border Protection, are being stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base. Reports indicate agents have been observed practicing crowd control, utilizing shields and less-lethal weapons, suggesting preparations for potential confrontations.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Johnson have strongly condemned the federal intervention. Governor Pritzker, speaking on Wednesday, September 3, confirmed that local law enforcement and Chicago police are being instructed not to assist in these federal actions, but to prepare for potential protests. Mayor Johnson previously signed an executive order aimed at resisting federal agents. Both officials have urged residents to engage in peaceful demonstrations while emphasizing that local authorities cannot directly interfere with federal operations.
The deployment comes amid escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Chicago and its leadership, calling the city a “hellhole” and threatening to send the National Guard. Governor Pritzker, however, highlighted a recent federal judge’s ruling that found the Trump administration “willfully” broke federal law by deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles for similar operations. Pritzker also pointed to Chicago’s declining crime rates, attributing progress to local violence intervention programs, and criticized Trump’s cuts to such initiatives. The governor suggested Trump’s calls for a federal presence are politically motivated, aiming to create a pretext for intervention.
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