Trump’s First Immigration Raids to Target Chicago

Donald Trump’s incoming administration plans to launch its first immigration raid in Chicago on Tuesday, targeting over 300 individuals with violent crime histories, according to reports from unnamed officials. The operation, slated to last a week, will involve deploying 100 to 200 US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to the city.

Chicago, known for its strong sanctuary city policies, has drawn criticism from Trump and his incoming border czar, Tom Homan, who vowed to prosecute local officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

While ICE officials have indicated that enforcement efforts will occur nationwide, including in New York and Miami, advocates fear the raids will sweep up individuals without criminal records or those with legal status. Community groups in Chicago have been mobilizing, educating immigrants about their rights, and preparing phone trees to alert residents of ICE activity.

Chicago officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, reaffirmed their commitment to sanctuary policies, with local Democratic leaders urging immigrants to stay calm, know their rights, and avoid granting officers access to their homes without warrants.

As Trump’s administration prepares for large-scale deportations, immigrant rights groups are bracing for legal challenges while attempting to shield vulnerable communities from the anticipated crackdown.

Guatemala has expressed willingness to accept citizens from other Central American countries deported from the United States as part of its efforts to foster a positive relationship with the incoming Trump administration. According to Prime Minister John Briceño, Belize will not.

When asked about possible pressure, he added, “We are a sovereign nation, and they cannot force us to accept people that are not citizens from this country. And as far as I am concerned, we are not going to accept any citizen that is not Belizean.”