Trump's promised immigration crackdown in Chicago could last about six
weeks, suburban official says
[September 05, 2025]
By SOPHIA TAREEN
CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration has informed Chicago-area
officials that its promised immigration enforcement surge will run for
about six weeks, according to the mayor of a suburb that houses an
immigration processing center.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a letter to the village's
roughly 8,000 residents this week that the Trump administration told
village officials that a two-story building used to temporarily hold
immigrants before they’re detained or deported will serve as the
“primary processing location” for the expected operation.
She said local leaders were told the operation will last approximately
45 days, but she didn't say when it might start.
Officials in the village just west of Chicago declined to elaborate
Thursday, saying they were focused on the safety of residents, police
and businesses.
“We will defend the constitutionally protected right to peaceful protest
and will accept no interference with that right,” said LeTisa Jones, the
village administrator. “Simultaneously, we will reject any illegal
behavior that puts Broadview police officers’ safety or the safety of
local businesses and residents at risk.”
President Donald Trump has targeted Chicago and other Democrat-led
cities for expanded federal intervention. His administration has said it
will step up immigration enforcement in the Windy City, as he did in Los
Angeles, and would deploy National Guard troops to help fight crime. In
addition to sending troops to Los Angeles in June, Trump deployed them
last month in Washington, D.C., as part of his unprecedented law
enforcement takeover of the nation's capital.
Although details about the promised Chicago operation have been sparse,
local opposition is already widespread and is building in the suburbs.
State and city leaders have said they plan to sue the Trump
administration.
Activists, church groups and schools in the nation’s third-largest city
have been preparing for the operation, during which the Department of
Homeland Security intends to use a naval station north of Chicago for
logistical support.
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Former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, left, speaks at a news conference
for "Don't Take the Bait" campaign in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 4,
2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
In Chicago, organizers postponed a downtown Mexican Independence Day
festival scheduled for later this month because of fears in the
community about the planned immigration crackdown. They did not set
a new date.
In suburban communities, officials also tried to quell concerns.
“We understand that these developments have created anxiety and
uncertainty for many in our community,” read a statement from the
city of North Chicago and Lake County. “While these developments may
feel unsettling, please know this: you are not alone.”
Others issued reminders of Illinois' sanctuary laws, which are among
the strongest in the country and generally bar local police from
cooperating with federal immigration agents.
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, a frequent critic and target of Trump,
visited a school Thursday in Berwyn, a largely Latino suburb of
roughly 55,000 people, to assess the impact of the expected
operation.
The Broadview processing center, which draws frequent protests, has
been under fire recently for allegations that immigrants have been
held for days instead of hours and forced to sleep on floors. The
complaints led four Democratic members of Illinois' congressional
delegation to attempt an unscheduled visit to the site in June.
DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn't immediately
respond to Thursday requests for comment.
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