US immigration authorities initiated arrests in Chicago on Sunday, specifically targeting undocumented immigrants in the city identified as a “sanctuary city.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on social media that its agents, alongside other federal agencies including the FBI, commenced operations in the city. Tom Homan, the border enforcement lead, was present in Chicago for the operation, which also involved acting deputy attorney-general Emil Bove.
The operation focused on approximately 270 individuals deemed “known criminals,” as shared by television personality Phil McGraw, who was livestreaming the proceedings for his channel. The topic of immigration has been pivotal in political discussions, particularly with promises from Donald Trump of “mass deportations.” Reports regarding these raid plans have caused heightened anxiety within immigrant communities in Chicago, leading to fewer residents venturing outdoors.
According to the US Census, nearly 20% of the population in the metropolitan Chicago area is made up of individuals born outside the US, including a diverse mix of legal and undocumented immigrants. The largest group among this demographic is Mexicans, followed by individuals from India and Poland. Since August 2022, around 52,000 immigrants have moved to Chicago, following actions from Texas governor Greg Abbott to transport migrants from the border to various cities governed by Democrats.
As a sanctuary city since the 1980s, Chicago has put in place policies that limit its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Recently, the City Council rejected a measure aimed at diminishing those protections, while the Chicago Transit Authority is running advertisements that guide commuters to a “Know Your Rights” website detailing interactions with immigration authorities.
In recent discussions, Homan referred to “collateral” arrests, which involve detaining undocumented individuals in the vicinity of those targeted by ICE warrants. This practice could violate a court settlement reached in 2022 and may render certain detainees eligible for immediate release due to lack of warrants. Homan indicated that local authorities’ reluctance to cooperate with ICE has resulted in federal agents conducting arrests in various neighborhoods.
Immigration advocates have expressed concern over recent executive orders issued by Trump, viewing them as a significant threat to due process protections. The expedited removal process, which permits the removal of individuals without a judicial hearing, is currently limited to those within 100 miles of the US border, but Trump is seeking to broaden this policy to encompass the entire nation for individuals unable to demonstrate two years of residence to the satisfaction of ICE officials.
Mary Meg McCarthy, the executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center based in Chicago, remarked that many of these orders contradict US law and constitutional rights. She emphasized that the harmful rhetoric and actions from the executive branch are expected to inflict serious hardship on long-term immigrant residents as well as on newcomers seeking refuge.
photo credit: www.ft.com
