Donald Trump is set to initiate mass deportation raids across the United States less than 24 hours after his second inauguration. According to sources familiar with the plan, Chicago will be the first city to experience large-scale immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration. Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan, now Trump’s designated “border czar,” previously announced Chicago as the starting point for these operations, citing its status as a sanctuary city and the influx of over 50,000 migrants since August 2022.
Reports indicate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will deploy 100-200 officers to conduct the week-long operation in Chicago, targeting individuals who have entered the country illegally. The raids are expected to extend beyond the Windy City, reaching major urban centers such as New York and Miami. Despite the scale of these operations, neither the Trump transition team, ICE officials, nor local leaders like Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have publicly commented on the planned crackdown.
Sanctuary Cities Brace for Federal Immigration Enforcement
Chicago’s designation as a sanctuary city has put it at the forefront of Trump’s deportation agenda. Mayor Brandon Johnson has remained firm in his stance against cooperating with federal immigration authorities, declaring that Chicago police will not assist ICE agents in detaining migrants. However, Trump’s administration appears determined to override local resistance and proceed with aggressive enforcement.
New York City and Miami, both major destinations for migrants, are also set to experience widespread ICE raids in the coming days. The decision to prioritize these cities aligns with Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which seeks to curtail illegal migration and remove those who do not qualify for asylum. With state and city leaders preparing legal challenges to these actions, a political and legal battle over immigration enforcement is set to unfold.
Tom Homan’s Vision for Mass Deportation
Tom Homan, a staunch advocate of strict immigration enforcement, has outlined a comprehensive plan for deportations. He has indicated that the initial wave of arrests will focus on migrants with criminal records before expanding to include asylum seekers and those admitted under humanitarian parole policies from the Biden administration. Homan has also stated that individuals harboring illegal migrants could face prosecution, further escalating the scope of the crackdown.
Despite reassurances that family separations are not part of the administration’s formal policy, Homan has acknowledged that such outcomes may occur as a byproduct of enforcement. He has made it clear that individuals facing deportation will have limited options: either return to their home countries with their children or leave them behind in the U.S. These statements have fueled concerns about the humanitarian implications of the impending raids.
Legal and Political Resistance to Trump’s Deportation Plan
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are reportedly exploring legal avenues to counter the federal government’s immigration actions. Pritzker has previously condemned any efforts to withhold federal funding from states or cities that resist Trump’s policies, calling such measures “illegal” and vowing to take legal action. However, following Homan’s latest remarks, Pritzker has shifted his focus, emphasizing state governance over engaging in direct confrontations with the Trump administration.
Other Democratic leaders have also voiced strong opposition to the planned deportations. U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez from Chicago issued a defiant statement on social media, warning Homan to “be ready to meet the resistance” if he attempts to carry out raids in her district. As tensions rise, legal battles over state and local authority in immigration enforcement are expected to play out in courts across the country.
The Future of Immigration Policy Under Trump’s Second Term
The rapid rollout of mass deportations signals a major shift in U.S. immigration policy under Trump’s second term. His administration’s aggressive approach is expected to target not only undocumented migrants but also broader asylum policies implemented during Biden’s presidency. With ICE prepared to conduct week-long operations in multiple cities, the scale of enforcement could surpass previous efforts seen during Trump’s first term.
The political and legal fallout from these actions will likely define the early months of Trump’s presidency. While his supporters view the crackdown as a necessary step to restore border security and uphold immigration laws, opponents argue that the approach is inhumane and will lead to widespread community disruptions. As protests and legal challenges mount, the effectiveness and consequences of Trump’s immigration strategy will be closely scrutinized in the months ahead.
