Federal immigration enforcement operations launched Sunday in Chicago under the oversight of top Trump administration officials, marking the first major sweep of President Donald Trump’s second term. The coordinated raids, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with support from multiple federal agencies, have reportedly targeted individuals with active warrants.
According to sources, these operations focused on apprehending undocumented individuals with criminal records or allegations. "What we saw is a coordinated effort to scoop up folks who have criminal allegations against them, or criminal convictions, and they are here in the country illegally," CBS News Chicago security expert Phil Andrew explained.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed support for the removal of convicted criminals but voiced concerns over the potential expansion of the sweeps to law-abiding undocumented individuals. “If that's who they're picking up, we're all for it,” Pritzker said in a Sunday interview with CNN. However, he warned, “What they're also doing…is going after people who are law-abiding, who are holding down jobs, who have families here. Why are we going after them?”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed ICE operations in the city but reiterated that Chicago police were not involved. “Per City code, Chicago police were not involved in this immigration enforcement activity,” Johnson said in a statement. “It is imperative that all Chicagoans know their constitutional rights and share the ‘Know Your Rights’ guidance with their neighbors and community.”
The city’s Welcoming City Ordinance prohibits Chicago police from assisting federal immigration authorities based solely on immigration status. This position has drawn criticism from Trump administration officials, who warned state and local governments that failure to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts could carry consequences.
The raids, which began before dawn Sunday, reportedly targeted neighborhoods like Portage Park and Logan Square. Immigrant communities across Chicago have expressed fear and uncertainty. Alderman Michael Rodriguez (22nd Ward), representing Little Village—a predominantly immigrant neighborhood—said no operations were reported in his district but raised concerns about the broader implications of the sweeps.
“There is some sign that they're going after targeted individuals, but…innocent people often get caught up in these raids,” Rodriguez said. “These sinister raids are unjust, and they're causing mayhem in our communities.”
Community organizations have intensified efforts to educate immigrants about their legal rights in anticipation of further raids.
The enforcement actions are part of a broader immigration crackdown led by the Trump administration, with ICE receiving support from federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove described the operations as addressing “a national emergency” caused by what he termed “four years of failed immigration policy.”
In a statement, ICE emphasized the public safety goals of the operation. “These enhanced targeted operations enforce U.S. immigration law and preserve public safety and national security by keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities,” the agency said.
Sources indicated that ICE is expected to continue operations in Chicago for several days. The agency has also confirmed similar efforts in Los Angeles, Denver, and Newark, New Jersey.
