Overview
The U.S. government has scheduled a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago for the week of August 29, 2025, targeting unauthorized immigrants as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
What Happened
The operation involves hundreds of Homeland Security officers, with a naval base serving as a staging area, following a similar enforcement action in Los Angeles that sparked protests. The plan includes potential National Guard deployment, prompting criticism from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called the approach excessive. The U.S. unauthorized immigrant population dropped by approximately 1 million from January to June 2025, down from a high of 14 million two years ago. This follows Trump’s use of the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act to federalize policing in Washington, D.C., for 30 days to address crime and homelessness.
Reasons Cited
The administration aims to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws, citing economic and safety concerns. Trump’s policies have reduced immigration inflows, with the White House emphasizing job market stability for U.S. workers. The operation aligns with broader efforts to curb unauthorized immigration, which officials claim impacts labor markets and public resources.
Expert Opinions
Economic Policy Institute researchers note that immigration restrictions may exacerbate labor shortages, as private-sector job gains slowed to 74,000 in June 2025. Deloitte Insights highlights that reduced immigration could dampen consumer spending, a key driver of the 3.3% GDP growth in Q2 2025. Gallup polls indicate 13% of Americans cite immigration as a top national issue, with Republicans particularly focused on enforcement.
Context
The Chicago operation follows public discontent over immigration policies, with May Day rallies in 2025 protesting Trump’s approach. Economic data shows labor market cooling, with unemployment at 4.1% in June, potentially worsened by immigration crackdowns.