The Trump administration has launched a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, targeting undocumented immigrants. Federal agencies, including ICE, the FBI, DEA, and ATF, joined forces in the coordinated effort. Officials say the operation is focused on arresting undocumented individuals with criminal records. ICE announced that 956 people were taken into custody across the country on Sunday alone — the largest number of arrests in a single day since Trump took office.
Top Officials Oversee the Action
The crackdown brought key figures from the administration to Chicago, including “border czar” Tom Homan and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Their presence shows how serious the administration is about enforcing stricter immigration policies.
Governor Pritzker opposes raids.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has made it clear that he opposes the federal crackdown. He promised to safeguard undocumented immigrants who follow the law while criticizing the targeting of disadvantaged groups. While he agrees that violent offenders should face deportation, he insists that other immigrants living peacefully in the state should be shielded by Illinois’ sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal authorities.
Immigrant communities respond with fear and resilience.
Many Chicago-area immigrant families are terrified as a result of the raids. People are remaining at home, avoiding public places, and attempting to stay under the radar. Advocacy groups have stepped in to defend the community, filing lawsuits against the raids, claiming that they violate constitutional rights.
A national push for tighter immigration laws
This initiative in Chicago is part of a larger national strategy by the Trump administration to enforce immigration rules more aggressively. Federal agencies have been given increased power, making such operations more regular in cities around the country.
