Federal immigration officers are set to target over 300 individuals with violent criminal histories in the Chicago area starting next week, marking the first step in President-elect Donald Trump’s plan for widespread deportations, according to an anonymous official. The operation is expected to begin on Tuesday and arrests are expected to continue throughout the week. Unlike previous administrations, Trump’s team plans to cast a wider net, potentially arresting spouses or roommates of the targeted individuals who are also in the country illegally.
Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming border director, stated that ICE will be given more freedom to arrest criminal aliens, with a focus on public safety threats. While the exact cities where the operations will take place have not been specified, Trump has emphasized that mass deportations remain a top priority. The Chicago area, known for its sanctuary city policies, is expected to be a major focus of the operation.
Immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago have been preparing for these mass deportations since Trump made it a key issue during his campaign. They are working to inform immigrants of their rights and strategies to protect themselves from potential ICE raids. Democratic lawmakers in Illinois have also urged immigrants to remain calm and exercise their rights if approached by immigration officers. Despite the looming threat of deportation, they remain committed to defending their communities.
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