Protests erupt in North Chicago as Federal Agents Prepare for Immigration Enforcement Surge
NORTH CHICAGO,IL – May 18,2024 – Demonstrations are underway in North Chicago and Waukegan as federal agents prepare too utilize naval Station Great Lakes as a base of operations for increased immigration enforcement in the Chicago area. The planned operation, expected to last approximately one month, follows a social media post by former President Donald Trump referencing increased deportations, sparking widespread concern and condemnation from local leaders.
According to NBC Chicago, Homeland Security officials requested use of the Naval Station, seeking space for 250 personnel, a “Tactical Operations Center,” and an “Incident Command Post,” alongside logistical support including parking for 140 vehicles and storage for supplies, including non-lethal weaponry like rubber bullets and tear gas. Federal agents will also utilize office spaces in North chicago and stay in Lake County hotels.
Protestors voiced anxieties about the impact on their communities. “I’m standing out hear because a lot of people I know and love they’re too scared to be out here or they can’t be out here, so I decided to come out here and be the voice for them,” said Lina Alvarez of North Chicago. A retired Army veteran with four deployments, Alvarez expressed her dismay, stating, “It hurts to see service members that I consider brothers and sisters weaponized against my community, people, who I love.”
Rosa Rivas, a Waukegan resident, questioned the former president’s motives, saying, “Does he [Trump] seriously not have a heart?” Ellen Montgomery, also of Waukegan, labeled the planned enforcement “illegal” and “unlawful,” emphasizing the local impact: “these are my neighbors they’re after. We have to take care of each other.”
The situation escalated after trump’s post on Truth Social, writing, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of War.”
illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded on X, stating, “The president of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also took to X, writing, “The president’s threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our constitution.”
