ICE Planning Major Enforcement Operation in Chicago After Trump Inauguration
Operation Safeguard to Target Immigrants Across Multiple Locations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are planning a major enforcement operation, dubbed “Operation Safeguard,” that will target immigrants in several locations across Chicago following the inauguration of Donald Trump as president, according to a document reviewed by NBC News and a person familiar with the planning.
Operation Details
The operation is expected to start as early as Tuesday and end by the following Monday, but the dates could change. A briefing for agents who plan to participate in the operation was scheduled for Friday afternoon in Chicago, according to the document. The operation will involve agents who were asked to volunteer, and more agents than needed have volunteered.
Trump’s Comments
In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Saturday, Trump declined to describe any details of the operation but said mass deportations would begin “very early, very quickly.” “We’re already geared up and it will begin,” he said. “We have to get the criminals that have come here illegally out of our country.”
Background
As a candidate, Trump promised the largest deportation operation in American history. A 2022 federal estimate said that as many as 11 million undocumented migrants lived in the U.S., but the exact number today is unknown. The American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration group, estimates that it could cost at least $315 billion to deport all of them.
Challenges
ICE currently has a $230 million budget shortfall and does not have the funding to carry out Trump’s plans on a prolonged and widespread scale. Congress must first appropriate additional funds for enforcement operations and detention facilities. After arrest, migrants are held in detention before they are deported. According to ICE’s website, there are currently no beds available in its detention facilities in Chicago.
Political Pushback
Trump’s apparent plans to target Democratic-run cities will also likely be met with political pushback. Responding to reports that the new administration could start deportation operations in Chicago, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Friday that he will protect migrants if they are arrested unlawfully. “We have laws that protect people that are undocumented,” Pritzker said. “I am going to make sure to follow the law. I am concerned that the Trump administration and his lackeys aren’t going to follow the law.”
Conclusion
The planned enforcement operation in Chicago is a significant development in the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on immigration. The operation is expected to target immigrants across multiple locations, and its success will depend on the availability of funding and resources. As the operation unfolds, it will be important to monitor its impact on the immigrant community and the broader political landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Operation Safeguard?
A: The purpose of Operation Safeguard is to target immigrants in several locations across Chicago following the inauguration of Donald Trump as president.
Q: How many agents will participate in the operation?
A: According to the document, more agents than needed have volunteered to participate in the operation.
Q: What is the estimated cost of deporting all undocumented migrants?
A: The American Immigration Council estimates that it could cost at least $315 billion to deport all of them.
Q: Does ICE have the funding to carry out Trump’s plans?
A: ICE currently has a $230 million budget shortfall and does not have the funding to carry out Trump’s plans on a prolonged and widespread scale.
