In brief
Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino, who led recent immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, has announced the arrival of his operation in Chicago. Amidst President Trump's declarations of increased immigration enforcement, local leaders and immigrant communities express rising concerns over an uptick in federal operations disrupting local celebrations and creating an atmosphere of fear.
CHICAGO (AP) — Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol agent who led a significant immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, announced via social media on Tuesday that he has arrived in Chicago.
“Well, Chicago, we’ve arrived!” Bovino posted on X, sharing videos of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles and agents in the city. “Operation At Large is here to continue the mission we started in Los Angeles.”
President Donald Trump has been vocal about increasing deportations and sending National Guard troops to Chicago, sparking fierce opposition from local leaders and residents.
Immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago report a noticeable increase in immigration enforcement activities recently, coinciding with Trump’s focus on Democratic strongholds for federal intervention. However, the President has fluctuated on the actual deployment of military forces.
The specifics and extent of the operations referenced by Bovino remain unclear, as officials did not clarify the scope of enforcement in Chicago.
In recent days, increased federal actions have heightened fears among immigrant communities, resulting in the cancellation and delay of celebrations for Mexican Independence Day.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated, “Chief Bovino and CBP play a key support role in our targeted enforcement operations.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, also in Chicago, tweeted determination to continue the federal efforts. “Our work is only beginning,” she asserted.
In Los Angeles, Bovino's operations resulted in thousands of arrests marked by aggressive tactics, raising further concerns about the impact of these federal actions on the local community.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, opposing federal aggression, noted an escalation in ICE operations in Chicago, indicating that ICE has been consolidating its agents in the area.
