Immigrant enforcement escalation intended in Chicago under Trump government
The Trump administration has announced plans for a significant immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, with discussions underway to utilize the Naval Station Great Lakes as a staging area. The operation, which could last for a month starting in September, is said to be a mass deportation campaign, following through on a promise made during Trump's presidential campaign.
Arrests in Illinois have almost doubled compared to the same period in 2024, but the increase is smaller than in most other states. ICE has made at least 1,400 immigration arrests in Illinois since Trump took office through last month, with more than 1,000 of those arrests in the Chicago area.
Former ICE officials interpret the request for the Naval Station Great Lakes as indicating a significant operation targeting Chicago. The plans for the operation dovetail with Trump's promise to take his crackdown on crime beyond Washington. The crackdown would involve 200 homeland security officials.
The request seeks space for 250 department personnel, a Tactical Operations Center, an Incident Command Post, and various logistical needs such as bathrooms, laundry, parking, and storage space for medical supplies and weapons. The presence of a tactical operations center and incident command center indicates preparation similar to a military setting, according to Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former senior ICE official.
The U.S. Homeland Security official authorized to deploy 200 homeland security officers in Chicago was approved during the Trump administration, with the deployment expected imminently. This decision was made despite the Illinois governor's wishes, with Trump announcing plans to send National Guard troops to Chicago in 2020, stating this obligation as part of protecting the country.
Chicago has been a target of the Trump administration due to its status as a so-called sanctuary city. The operation appears to be separate from the police department and existing local ICE infrastructure, suggesting a massive surge operation.
The plans for the operation could be a notable example of military resources being used for civilian law enforcement. The aim of the operation is to carry out the mass deportation campaign promised by Trump during his campaign. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, has confirmed discussions about using the naval base but would not confirm how many people would be sent there.
A group of advance members from the homeland security team is expected to arrive on September 2. The operation in Chicago builds on previous operations in Los Angeles and Washington. The arrests in Illinois have nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2024, but the increase is still smaller than in most other states. The request for the Naval Station Great Lakes is currently under review by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
