Trump to Launch "Operation Shield" Mass Deportations in Chicago After Inauguration

Jan 18, 2025, 03:11 PM

President-elect Donald Trump plans to launch mass deportations of undocumented immigrants starting immediately after his inauguration on January 20. The operation, codenamed "Operation Shield" or "Operation Safeguard" and reported by the Wall Street Journal, is expected to be the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. It will focus on sanctuary cities, particularly Chicago, where 200 agents will be deployed to target over 300 individuals with histories of violent crimes and those deemed a threat to the country. Incoming border czar Tom Homan stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will regain full authority, removing the "handcuffs" imposed by the previous administration. The multi-day, large-scale field operations are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, the day after Trump's inauguration.