Chicago officials are preparing for a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation expected to begin later this week, even as President Donald Trump lashed out at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the city’s mayor over their resistance to the plan.
Multiple sources said the operation could involve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and possibly National Guard troops in a “peacekeeping” role. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Sunday that more resources would be added to existing enforcement efforts in Chicago and Illinois, while leaving open the possibility of similar crackdowns in San Francisco and Boston.
Pritzker calls it an “invasion”
Governor Pritzker warned that deploying troops to Chicago without consultation would amount to “an invasion.” He said neither the White House nor federal officials had contacted his administration about the plans. “In secret they’re planning this — well, it’s an invasion with US troops, if they in fact do that,” he told reporters.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday directing city agencies and police not to assist federal agents with immigration enforcement. The order also urged federal officers to use body cameras and avoid masks during operations.
“We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may even see National Guard troops or armed vehicles in our streets. Our people have not asked for this, but we find ourselves having to respond,” Johnson said.
Trump escalates criticism
Trump has repeatedly criticized Chicago for limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and on Monday he sharpened his attack. In a post on Truth Social, he accused Pritzker and Johnson of ignoring crime while praising Washington DC’s mayor for cooperating with federal policing efforts.
“Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming!” Trump wrote.
Noem echoed the president, citing Chicago’s homicide statistics and accusing Pritzker of putting “ego” over public safety.
Rising violence vs. official numbers
Chicago police reported that at least 52 people were shot, including seven fatally, over the Labor Day weekend. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 46.
City officials, however, highlighted broader crime data showing a 21.6% drop in overall violent crime and a 32.3% decline in homicides so far this year compared to 2024.
As tensions rise, the reported operation — potentially starting Friday — underscores the widening clash between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities over immigration and law enforcement.
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