The Trump administration has launched new immigration enforcement operations in Chicago and Massachusetts, escalating its fight against so-called sanctuary cities as President Donald Trump pursues a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
White House border czar Tom Homan signaled over the weekend that the measures are just the beginning. “You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country,” Homan said in an interview with CNN.
The latest actions come as the administration seeks to enforce a mass deportation agenda that has repeatedly clashed with state and local governments. Federal courts have previously blocked Trump’s attempts to strip funding from sanctuary jurisdictions, which limit cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
Chicago Raids Under ‘Operation Midway Blitz’
On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it had begun “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago, targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
“This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago,” ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
The operation, however, has already prompted pushback from city officials. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order last week instructing local law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration raids, while neighboring Evanston warned residents to be vigilant about possible arrests.
Trump sparked controversy over the weekend when he suggested the newly renamed Department of War would be involved in Chicago, writing on Truth Social: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning … Chicago is about to find out why it’s called the Department of War.” Facing backlash, he later clarified: “We’re not going to war, we’re going to clean up our cities … That’s not war. That’s common sense.”
Massachusetts Enforcement Ramps Up
At the same time, DHS announced “Operation Patriot 2.0” in Massachusetts, aimed at increasing deportations in the state. Officials said the campaign builds on the success of a May operation that led to 1,500 arrests.
The department also criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, claiming her city’s sanctuary policies “attract and harbor criminals.” Wu, however, defended Boston’s stance, pointing to the Boston Trust Act, which restricts local police from assisting in civil immigration enforcement.
“No Boston police or local resources will be co-opted into federal immigration enforcement and their mass deportation agenda,” Wu said. “We expect federal law enforcement to abide by the constitution and laws of this city, Commonwealth, and country — and we are prepared to take legal action at any evidence to the contrary.”
Earlier this month, the Justice Department sued Boston over the Trust Act, with Attorney General Pam Bondi accusing the city of “undermining law enforcement.” Wu has pledged to fight the lawsuit, declaring: “We will not yield.”
A Broader Clash Over Immigration
The latest enforcement drive underscores the Trump administration’s broader conflict with sanctuary cities. While DHS insists its operations are focused on “criminal illegal aliens,” local leaders argue the raids spread fear, target families, and risk violating constitutional rights.
With the White House promising more operations in the days ahead, the battle over immigration enforcement is poised to intensify across the country.