Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is scheduled to start conducting large-scale deportations in Chicago after President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, starting Tuesday, Jan, 21.
About 100 to 200 ICE officers are set to be deployed across the country, with a large-scale immigration raid planned in Chicago following the inauguration, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The Trump administration intends to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal background, including minor offenses, according to the report. However, according to the WSJ, other undocumented immigrants present during an arrest will also be detained even if they don’t have a criminal record,
During a brief visit to Chicago last year, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, said the city of Chicago was set to be a starting point for their deportation operation.
Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Denver and Miami are eyed to be the next target cities in the incoming administration’s deportation plan.
Advice from immigrants rights organizations:
The Resurrection Project has released a “Know Your Rights” list of guidelines to follow if detained by ICE.
They encourage those who have been detained by ICE to call an attorney before answering any questions, to not sign any documents, and to remember that administrative warrants do not allow for home entry if ICE arrives at your home– among other precautions listed on their website.
The National Immigrant Justice Center has released a guide on how to prepare for mass deportations. They advise anyone with undocumented status to create a safety plan for their family.
The safety plan includes informing family members that if someone is detained by ICE, they can use ICE’s online detainee locator to locate family members.
The center also has a 24-hour support hotline for those seeking help in emergencies.
