Chicago at the Center of Immigration Tensions

Chicago has become a flashpoint for immigration enforcement, with protesters regularly confronting ICE officers during arrests and deportation operations. Videos of heated exchanges, arrests, and tear-gas use have circulated widely on social media, fueling outrage across the city.

President Donald Trump has defended the federal crackdown, ordering National Guard troops to protect officers on duty. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Trump’s federalization of the Illinois National Guard — though deployment has not yet occurred.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed support, stating on October 5 that Texas would send 400 National Guard members to assist federal operations. Meanwhile, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have condemned what they describe as “reckless” and “dangerous” tactics.

“ICE is recklessly throwing tear gas into our neighborhoods and busy streets — even near children,” Pritzker wrote on X.
“We’ll use every tool we have to stop the Trump administration’s war on Chicago,” added Mayor Johnson.