ICE in Chicago: Donald Trump's immigration crackdown could start this week ahead of Mexican Independence Day 2025 celebrations
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the city braces for an ICE surge and the possibility of the National Guard, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the labor movement on Monday to verbally fight back against the Trump administration.

“No federal troops in the city of Chicago! No militarized force in the city of Chicago!” Johnson said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Johnson opened his Labor Day remarks with defiance, making it clear once again that a surge of ICE agents and the National Guard are not welcome in Chicago.

“We are going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago,” Johnson said.

Johnson spoke in front of a spirited crowd of several hundred who marched in support of union workers and against the Trump administration. It followed a much quieter event over the weekend at City Hall, where the mayor signed an executive order called “Protecting Chicago.” It reaffirms the city’s Sanctuary City status and urges federal agents not to wear masks.

In the meantime, Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago is preparing to be the base of operations for more ICE agents.

“We do intend to add more resources, to those operations, I won’t disclose the details,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Noem confirmed that ramped-up immigration enforcement is coming to Illinois but stopped short of saying that the National Guard is coming, too.

“I think it goes hand in hand that first, agents would be sent here in hopes by the administration that an incident erupts to further justify Trump calling our National Guard,” said Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Illinois’ 4th District.

As the city prepares to celebrate Mexican Independence Day next weekend, Garcia urged residents to stay calm and not provoke ICE agents.

Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan says outreach workers with his anti-violence organization Chicago CRED are preparing to keep the peace.

“Trump wants conflict. Trump wants escalation. We cannot give him what he wants. We have to defend democracy. That is what this is about,” Duncan said.

As for when the ICE surge begins, there are reports that agents may arrive as soon as Tuesday.

“City government needs to let people know their police force is going to serve and protect not cooperate with ICE,” said 22nd Ward Ald. Michael Rodriguez.

There is no timetable for the National Guard’s potential arrival. That decision is up to Trump.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Meghan finally shows Archie and Lilibet's faces in pumpkin patch video

Meghan Reveals Adorable First Look at Archie and Lilibet in Heartwarming Pumpkin Patch Video

Meghan Markle has opened a window into her family’s life in California,…
Chili's brings back beloved Skillet Queso after fan revolt

Chili’s Reintroduces Popular Skillet Queso Following Enthusiastic Fan Demand

Devoted fans simply couldn’t bear to see their cherished queso disappear without…
The Jericho School for Children with Autism permanently closes, cites government shutdown impacts

Jericho School for Autism Shuts Down: How a Government Shutdown Sealed Its Fate

The Jericho School for Children with Autism has made the difficult decision…
‘Gilmore Girls’ star Sally Struthers reveals hilarious unscripted moment that made it onscreen

Unscripted Comedy Gold: Sally Struthers Shares Iconic ‘Gilmore Girls’ Moment That Captivated Fans

She truly gave it her all. In a delightful twist, Sally Struthers,…
Trump offers new warning on Tylenol for pregnant women

Trump Issues Urgent Advisory on Tylenol Use During Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump has reiterated his cautionary…
Mom distraught after son was fatally run over in e-scooter crash

Mother Grieves After Son Tragically Killed in E-Scooter Accident

A mother is grappling with immense grief after her 10-year-old son tragically…
Plus-size model claims United Airlines flight attendant fat-shamed her

Plus-Size Model Alleges Fat-Shaming Incident by United Airlines Flight Attendant

Plus-sized model, blogger, and bestselling author Tess Holliday has publicly criticized United…
ICE leadership shakeup exposes growing DHS friction over deportation tactics, priorities

Inside ICE: Unraveling the Leadership Turmoil and DHS Disputes Over Deportation Strategies

A significant leadership overhaul is in progress at U.S. Immigration and Customs…