Top Trump administration officials, including “border czar” Tom Homan and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, visited Chicago to oversee heightened immigration enforcement in the nation’s third-largest city. While few details were released, the large federal presence signaled President Trump’s determination to expand immigration crackdowns using multiple federal agencies.
Bove confirmed the involvement of agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This followed a recent DHS policy change granting immigration authority to other Justice Department agencies like the DEA and ATF. Photos shared on social media by the DEA’s Chicago office showed Bove and Homan with agents from various federal departments, highlighting their collaboration.
The scale of the operation wasn’t limited to Chicago. Similar enforcement actions were publicized nationwide, including a raid at a Colorado nightclub near Denver, where 50 people were detained, and preparations for another in Los Angeles. ICE spokesperson Jeff Carter described these efforts as “enhanced targeted operations,” but did not provide specifics.
The increased enforcement has left Chicago’s immigrant communities on edge, particularly in light of the city’s strong sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local police and immigration authorities. Last week, tension grew after top Trump officials initially announced that immigration crackdowns would begin the day after the inauguration, only to walk back those statements later.
Immigrant rights groups and city officials have been proactive, launching “know your rights” campaigns to prepare residents for potential arrests. Chicago officials have distributed informational materials at public transit stops, while local organizations have mobilized to support affected families.
The atmosphere escalated further after a mistaken report that ICE agents visited a Chicago elementary school. While the agents were later identified as part of the Secret Service, the incident sparked outrage, especially given Trump’s recent reversal of a policy that barred immigration enforcement at schools.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a vocal Trump critic, condemned the operations, questioning the aggressive approach and its chilling effect on immigrant communities, including long-time, law-abiding residents.
