Trump's Border Czar Pauses Chicago Immigration Raids, Shifts Focus

Tom Homan, soon-to-be border chief for President Donald Trump, is hitting the brakes on a leaked plan to send a large group of immigration officers to Chicago. In an interview with the Washington Post, he said he hasn't decided yet on this move, which was reported by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. The plan involved sending 150-200 ICE officers to Chicago starting from Trump's first week in office. Homan criticized the leak, stating it puts officers at greater risk. He wondered why Chicago was specifically mentioned and clarified that the new administration's approach isn't limited to Chicago. Instead, he said ICE will target undocumented immigrants with criminal records or past deportation orders nationwide. Under Trump, large-scale deportations are expected. An emergency declaration for the southern border could be signed on Trump's first day, as per Politico. However, past announcements of big raids didn't lead to mass deportations. For example, in 2019, only 35 out of 2, 000 targeted migrants were arrested.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus denounced these deportation plans, stating they violate the Fourth Amendment. Meanwhile, Homan didn't confirm specific plans for Chicago and passed the responsibility to regional ICE officials. Last month, Homan's announcement of mass deportations starting in Chicago sparked backlash. Mayor Brandon Johnson, absent from a press conference, reassured residents via an X post that the city remains committed to progressive values. Chicago's Sanctuary City status was reaffirmed in a city council vote, but ICE agents can still operate within city limits. Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th) doubted the Trump administration's ability to quickly mobilize ICE. He believed their announcements were more about communication and messaging. Regardless, undocumented immigrants have the right to refuse entry to ICE agents.

Actions