The Justice Department announced on Sunday that it had initiated a multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. This move comes as the Trump administration seeks to demonstrate its swift fulfillment of a campaign promise to increase arrests and deportations.
Officials have indicated that a variety of law enforcement agencies will be involved in similar operations in the coming days. The Justice Department's acting deputy attorney general, Emil Bove, traveled to Chicago to oversee the effort, which he characterized as addressing a "national emergency."
The Trump administration has engaged various law enforcement agencies within the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals, to assist with operations in Chicago and other locations.
The extent of arrests in Chicago and elsewhere remained unclear on Sunday. Local Chicago officials stated that they had not been involved in the operations. In certain neighborhoods, residents expressed concern and confusion regarding the reported immigration operations and their potential impact.
8 Comments
Muchacha
It's about time we held undocumented immigrants accountable for breaking the law.
Mariposa
This is a step in the right direction towards a stronger immigration system.
Comandante
Chicago residents deserve to live in their city without fear of being deported simply for existing.
Africa
Finally! The Trump administration is taking action to enforce our immigration laws.
Habibi
This operation will only increase the trust deficit between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Eric Cartman
Using ICE and other agencies to target undocumented immigrants instead of violent criminals is simply wrong.
Stan Marsh
This is a sad day for our country. We must be a beacon of hope and inclusion, not fear and division.
Donatello
This "national emergency" is nothing more than a manufactured crisis to justify racist policies.