Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed concern on Tuesday about a mass deportation plan targeting Chicago, stating that as many as 2,000 individuals may be affected. This estimate reportedly comes from local law enforcement, although the Chicago Police Department has not confirmed the numbers, nor have other police sources. It’s unclear if this figure includes individuals specifically targeted by federal authorities, such as undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions or deportation orders.
Chicago’s immigrant communities had been on high alert, anticipating immigration raids after reports indicated the city could be the first major focus of enforcement. However, as of Tuesday, no raids were reported. The Wall Street Journal initially claimed the raids would start in Chicago early Tuesday, but federal authorities later suggested they might delay the plan after details were leaked.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Pritzker criticized the lack of communication from the Trump Administration regarding the plan. He emphasized his position on deportation, stating, “If there are violent criminals who have been convicted of violent crimes and are undocumented, they should be deported. That is the law, and I support that.” However, he expressed strong opposition to instilling fear among immigrant communities, including those with legal status.
Pritzker visited immigrant neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village earlier this week and observed empty businesses, which he attributed to widespread fear of raids. He noted, “Even documented immigrants and U.S. citizens with undocumented relatives are afraid. That fear is keeping people from going about their daily lives, and it’s wrong.”
Tom Homan, Trump’s former “border czar,” defended the plan in an interview with CNN. He explained that the focus is on arresting undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions, particularly those in sanctuary cities. Homan stated that while targeting specific individuals, federal officers may also arrest others they encounter who are in the country illegally.
Homan criticized sanctuary cities, claiming they force federal agents to conduct operations in communities instead of safely detaining individuals in county jails. He admitted this approach could lead to additional arrests, saying, “If we find the person we’re looking for, others with them may also be detained.”
Although Chicago has been highlighted as a focal point, the federal government’s final plans remain unclear, leaving immigrant communities on edge.
