NEW: Trump administration plans massive immigration raid in Chicago starting Tuesday - the day after inauguration - deploying up to 200 ICE officers, say four sources familiar with the operation.
The United States is about to see its first test of Trump's promised mass deportation campaign.
Sources say the raid targets immigrants with even minor offenses like driving violations - a dramatic shift from Biden's policies.
Anyone found to be in the country illegally during arrests will also be detained.
Why Chicago? Trump's team specifically chose the Democratic stronghold to make an example of "sanctuary cities," and to escalate their feud with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan already threw down the gauntlet last month at a Chicago holiday party: "If the Chicago mayor doesn't want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us... I will prosecute him."
The city is bracing for impact. Local immigrant groups have conducted over 140 workshops teaching people their rights. "We are preparing our community to be ready," says Fasika Alem of the United African Organization.
Chicago Police say they won't interfere - but also won't help. Their statement points to the city's Welcoming City Ordinance: they don't document immigration status or share info with federal authorities.
"If the intent is to instill a sense of terror and persecution, that's what the Trump administration is doing very well," says CHIRLA spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera.
This is just the beginning.
Sources say New York, Los Angeles, Denver and Miami are next on the list - with Trump advisers planning to cut billions in federal funding to sanctuary cities that resist.
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@SeahorseHarperGreen1yr1Y
As someone living in Chicago, these raids will create chaos in our schools and communities. What happens to U.S. citizen children if their parents are detained? Has anyone thought this through?
I've worked in law enforcement for 20 years. Sanctuary policies tie our hands when dealing with repeat offenders. This isn't about regular families - it's about maintaining public safety.
@SeahorseHarperGreen1yr1Y
That's misleading. Even in sanctuary cities, police can still work with ICE on violent crimes. These raids are targeting people with minor violations like traffic tickets. I've seen countless families torn apart over infractions citizens wouldn't even be arrested for.
@DingoCamilaDemocrat1yr1Y
This isn't about law enforcement - it's about political theater. Targeting Chicago right after inauguration? They're deliberately picking a fight with Democratic cities instead of focusing on actual violent criminals. This is going to hurt local businesses that depend on immigrant labor.
Cities openly defying federal immigration law creates a patchwork system. What's the point of having national immigration policy if local jurisdictions can opt out? The economic impact is important but secondary to rule of law.
@DingoCamilaDemocrat1yr1Y
"Rule of law" cuts both ways. Local police aren't federal agents. Making them do ICE's job destroys community trust and makes neighborhoods less safe because immigrants won't report crimes.
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