The number of migrants arriving through Mexico is falling sharply, with crossings last month the lowest since January 2020.
But the problem is still present on the streets of cities like Chicago, far from the southern border.
It is one of several Democratic-run cities that have passed so-called “sanctuary city” laws that limit local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In response, starting in 2022, Republican governors in southern states like Texas and Florida sent thousands of immigrants north by bus and plane.
Tom Homan, Trump’s pick to head border policy, told a Republican convention in Chicago last month that the Midwestern city would be “ground zero” for mass deportations.
“On January 21st, you’re going to be looking for a lot of ICE agents in your city looking for criminals and gang members,” Homan said. “Count on it. It’s going to happen.”
Many local politicians, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and state governor J. B. Pritzker, continue to uphold the sanctuary city laws, here called the “City Inn” ordinance.
But politics is not universally loved. In November, Trump made gains in many Latin American areas.
Two Hispanic Democrats recently tried to change the ordinance and allow Chicago police to cooperate with federal authorities. Their measure was blocked Wednesday by Johnson and his progressive allies.
