WASHINGTON, USA – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, officials are preparing for a large-scale enforcement operation targeting immigrants in Chicago, according to a document reviewed by NBC News and a source familiar with the planning.
The operation, set to begin shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, is expected to span several days and involve multiple locations in the city.
The operation, codenamed Operation Safeguard, is scheduled to commence as early as Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and conclude by Monday, though the timeline remains subject to change.
ICE officials have not publicly confirmed the details, referring inquiries to the Trump transition team, which has declined to comment.
Widespread Raids Expected
Chicago is expected to be the epicentre of the enforcement action, but sources indicate that similar operations could occur in other major metropolitan areas, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Denver.
In an interview with NBC News, President-elect Trump hinted at aggressive early immigration enforcement, stating, “Mass deportations will begin very early, very quickly.”
Funding and Logistics Challenges
ICE is facing significant financial and logistical hurdles in executing such large-scale operations.
The agency has a $230 million budget shortfall and limited capacity in its detention facilities.
Chicago’s ICE detention centres currently have no available beds, and nationwide, the U.S. has approximately 34,000 detention beds—far fewer than the 100,000 sought by Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan.
Homan has described the operation as essential, saying, “Mass deportation and results of mass deportation are more important to this country than anything.”
Experts have raised concerns about the feasibility and costs of such actions.
The American Immigration Council estimates that deporting all undocumented immigrants in the U.S.—a figure that federal officials estimate at 11 million—could cost at least $315 billion.
Additionally, agricultural industry experts warn that mass deportations could disrupt food supply chains, as 40% of agricultural workers are undocumented.
Political Pushback
The operation is likely to face strong resistance in Democratic-led cities like Chicago.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has vowed to protect undocumented immigrants from unlawful arrests.
“We have laws that protect people that are undocumented,” Pritzker said on Friday. “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.”
The anticipated political fallout could mirror past controversies surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, which drew criticism from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and local governments.
Historical Context
While Trump has promised the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, the Biden administration deported more individuals annually than Trump’s first administration.
The record for the highest number of deportations in a single year—438,000—was set during the Obama administration in fiscal 2013.
The highest number of deportations during Trump’s first term was 267,000 in fiscal 2019.
Operation Safeguard: Preparing to Launch
A briefing for agents participating in Operation Safeguard was held Friday in Chicago, according to the reviewed document.
ICE agents were asked to volunteer for the operation, and officials reported receiving more volunteers than required.
Homan emphasised the administration’s readiness: “We’re already geared up, and it will begin. We have to get the criminals that have come here illegally out of our country.”
As the inauguration approaches, the planned operation underscores the Trump administration’s intent to deliver on its campaign promises of stricter immigration enforcement.
The coming days are expected to bring heightened tension and scrutiny to cities targeted in the operation.
