The presence of armed, camouflaged, and masked border patrol agents conducting arrests near well-known landmarks in downtown Chicago has heightened concerns about the increasing federal intervention by the Trump administration in various U.S. cities.
With Illinois officials raising alarm about a potential National Guard deployment, residents in the third-largest city in the nation reacted with anger, fear, and accusations of discrimination in response to a bold escalation of immigration enforcement tactics over the weekend.
Chicago Ald. Brandon Reilly, who represents downtown on the city council, criticized the weekend’s events as “un-American,” labeling it a mere “photo op” for President Donald Trump, echoing sentiments expressed by other leaders.
Other cities such as Memphis, Tenn., and Portland, Ore., are also preparing for an influx of federal law enforcement personnel.
President Trump has defended the deployment of federal immigration agents and National Guard troops to American cities, citing the need for maintaining law and order and criticizing Democrats for their stance on crime and immigration policies. Following crackdowns on crime in the District of Columbia and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, Trump has characterized Portland as “war-ravaged” and has indicated a willingness to use force in Chicago.
“Whether the operation occurs in the city or suburbs, it’s all the same to us,” stated border patrol agent Gregory Bovino in Chicago.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a directive instructing component agencies under the Justice Department, including the FBI, to assist in safeguarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, including those in Chicago and Portland.
Here is an overview of the federal law enforcement activities in progress in Chicago, Portland, and Memphis.
Concerns in Chicago over Racial Profiling
Many residents of Chicago had already been uneasy following the commencement of an immigration crackdown earlier in the month, particularly as agents focused on areas with high immigrant populations, predominantly Latino neighborhoods.
While Trump has vacillated on the use of the military, Democratic Governor JB Pritzker indicated on Monday that around 100 troops from the National Guard might be deployed by the federal government. The Illinois National Guard received communication that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had requested troops from the Defense Department to protect ICE personnel and facilities.
An immigration processing center near Chicago has witnessed aggressive tactics by federal agents, prompting frequent protests in the area.
The enforcement activities have escalated recently, with agents utilizing boats on the Chicago River and conducting marches on Michigan Avenue and in upscale neighborhoods on Sunday.
Concerns have been voiced by activists and elected officials regarding potential discriminatory stops, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court removed restrictions on roving patrols in Los Angeles, allowing immigration agents to initiate stops based on factors such as race, language, occupation, or location.
“ICE agents are conducting operations in the Loop, targeting individuals based on ethnicity,” Governor Pritzker described, referring to the central business district of the city.
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