‘Mayhem’: Pritzker warns of possible ICE operation in Chicagoland

CHICAGO (WGN) – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Thursday all indications continue to show federal agents fully assembling Friday in Chicagoland, with immigration enforcement possibly beginning as early as Friday or Saturday.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports as many as 300 ICE agents could be deployed to take part in the operation.

Pritzker fears President Donald Trump’s strategy of sending federal troops to Chicagoland is to cause “mayhem” on the ground, which could lead to expanded operations.

“Part of their nefarious plan is to begin with ICE, causing mayhem on the ground and by doing that, say that there’s a need for military troops on the ground to protect ICE,” Pritzker said.

Despite the looming threat, the governor said he is not telling people to stay home, but to be aware of their surroundings as Chicagoans hold and attend Mexican independence celebrations.

“Don’t play into their hands, but if you have the opportunity please protest. Pull out your phone. Video everything they’re doing,” Pritzker said, adding that Illinois will fight the battle in the courts. “I’m not intimidated. No one should be.”

Like the governor, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is urging the public to protest or interact with ICE agents peacefully.

“Why would we allow someone who is auditioning to be a dictator of a democracy to intimidate the soul of America, the city of Chicago? We should celebrate. I’m going to celebrate,” Johnson said.

Pritzker also recently went to Berwyn and met with administrators and teachers and Prairie Oak Elementary School in an effort to establish school action plans in the event ICE agents show up at their door.

According to the governor’s office, schools should establish a point person or department where ICE personnel should be directed. School officials should track and review all records requests or subpoenas arriving from ICE or other related authorities.

Faculty, staff and administrators should be trained to implement school policy in case of immigration enforcement action.

Parents are also encouraged to keep their child(ren)’s emergency contacts updated and accurate.

Both Pritzker and Johnson scoffed at Trump’s campaign fundraising email, saying, “Chicago will be liberated.”

“It just shows you how politicized this is being made. Trump and his Republicans don’t want to solve issues in our country,” Johnson said.

WGN-TV reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment and has not yet heard back.