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• Chicago prepares for potential ICE raids following President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
• Mayor Brandon Johnson vows to defend undocumented residents and uphold sanctuary city policies.
• Immigrant advocacy groups are educating residents on their rights in anticipation of deportation efforts.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Chicago is bracing for a potential crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Trump has pledged to increase deportation efforts, particularly in “sanctuary” cities like Chicago, which have laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President-elect, promising increased deportation efforts.
• Brandon Johnson – Chicago Mayor, vowing to defend undocumented residents.
• Tom Homan – Incoming border czar, promising to make Chicago “ground zero” for mass deportations.
• Immigrant advocacy groups – such as The Resurrection Project and the National Immigrant Justice Center.

Key Numbers

• 200 ICE agents – Expected to be sent to Chicago as early as Tuesday for deportation efforts.
• 20,000+ migrants – Arrived in Chicago since August 2022.
• $574.5 million – Cost to the city for sheltering migrants since August 2022.
• 49 requests – For “know your rights” presentations by the National Immigrant Justice Center ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

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The Catalyst

President-elect Trump’s promise to ramp up deportation efforts has created significant anxiety among Chicago’s immigrant community. Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, has specifically targeted Chicago, saying it will be “ground zero” for mass deportation efforts.

“We’re going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois,” Homan said, emphasizing the city’s role in their plans.

Inside Forces

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been steadfast in his opposition to Trump’s deportation plans. Johnson has reiterated the city’s commitment to upholding sanctuary city policies, despite the potential for increased federal pressure.

“Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering,” Johnson said.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between Chicago’s city government and the federal administration is set to become increasingly tense. Mayor Johnson’s office has issued guidelines for city employees on how to handle ICE visits, emphasizing the need for warrants and legal counsel.

Local law enforcement is prohibited from participating in federal immigration enforcement due to the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of these deportation efforts extend beyond Chicago. Other sanctuary cities and states could face similar challenges, leading to a national debate on immigration policies and local-federal relations.

Immigrant advocacy groups are playing a crucial role by educating residents about their rights, including the right to remain silent, the right not to open the door without a signed warrant, and the right to ask for an attorney.

Future Forces

As the situation unfolds, several key issues will come to the forefront:

• The legality and impact of ICE raids in sanctuary cities.
• The resource strain on cities like Chicago due to increased migrant populations.
• The long-term effects on community trust in local and federal authorities.

Data Points

• Jan. 21, 2025 – Trump’s inauguration, marking the potential start of increased deportation efforts.
• 2017 – Illinois Trust Act passed, limiting local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement.
• August 2022 – Over 20,000 migrants arrived in Chicago, straining local resources.
• $1 billion – Chicago’s budget shortfall, exacerbated by migrant sheltering costs.