CHICAGO – Mass deportation raids threatened in Chicago could start as soon as Tuesday, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming border czar Tom Homan have threatened to begin the raids in Chicago in the lead up to the new administration.
According to the Wall Street Journal, four people familiar with the planning said on the day after Trump’s inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will send “between 100 and 200 officers” for the operation.
Reporting from The Washington Post contradicts this report, with Homan telling the outlet that the incoming administration has not yet decided on post-inauguration raids in Chicago.
“We’re looking at this leak and will make a decision based on this leak,” Homan told the Post. “It’s unfortunate because anyone leaking law enforcement operations puts officers at greater risk.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have said the city’s law forbids CPD from coordinating with ICE.
Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicago Park District and Community Colleges of Chicago have all been directed not to allow ICE access into any of its buildings.
Following the news, The Resurrection Project (TRP) launched its “Prepare and Protect Campaign” in an effort to prepare families for the “unknown.”
The initiative looks to initiative provide comprehensive services to individuals, families and immigrant communities that may be impacted by the potential raids.