A desire for immediate action after Donald Trump’s second inauguration has reportedly set off plans for a mass deportation program targeting cities governed by Democrats, specifically starting with Chicago.

It is thought that within a day of Trump's swearing-in, operations aimed at removing migrants who entered the U.S. illegally are set to commence across key cities, including New York and Miami, as the Daily Mail reports.

The deportation drive is spearheaded by Tom Homan, ex-ICE director and Trump-appointed "border czar" who announced the initiative, focusing initially on Chicago due to its significant migrant population and its establishment as a sanctuary city. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been vocal about the city's insistence on protecting its residents, challenging the federal engagement directly.

Mayor Johnson’s stance has led to an open refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, citing the city's sanctuary status as a barrier against direct involvement. He states, “We will not allow our municipal police force to assist ICE agents in their duties.”

Chicago is expected to see heavy activity as raids start on Tuesday morning, with an estimated 100 to 200 officers set to take part in a week-long sprint to identify and deport illegal migrants, prioritizing those with criminal records in the U.S., followed by asylum seekers.

Massive Deportation Plan Sparks Resistance

The broader reaction within Illinois has seen state officials lining up against the federal plan. Gov. JB Pritzker, standing with Johnson, refused state cooperation in the impending raids and discussed potential legal responses with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to oppose Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.

Illinois, declaring itself a protective enclave, has stirred significant local and national conversations about states’ rights and federal powers regarding immigration enforcement.

Pritzker vocally expressed his readiness to fight back, terming himself a “happy warrior” ready to protect what he said was the dignity and freedom of Illinois residents.

Alongside political leaders, U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez has declared her intention to form significant opposition, emphasizing what she said was the strength of districts like Illinois' 3rd, enriched by a diverse immigrant community. She warns of a robust resistance against claimed federal overreach.

Diverse Responses Highlight Nationwide Concern

Homan has been forthright about his mission, stating his commitment to law enforcement and the objective of these deportations. “My goal is to enforce the law, but collisions are bound to happen,” said Homan, indicating possible family separations during raids despite there being no explicit plan for such actions.

His blunt communications with Mayor Johnson have included stern warnings and legal threats should there be any obstruction or non-compliance with federal directives. “If you obstruct our operations, legal actions will be considered,” he implied during confrontations with local officials.

With direct statements like “Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks,” Homan has not minced words, attributing operational difficulties to local governance while dismissing their policies and approaches toward protecting illegal immigrants.

Deportation Strategy Sparks Legal and Ethical Debates

This rapid enforcement strategy has reignited debates on the legality and morality of mass deportations, especially in cities that have openly declared themselves sanctuaries for migrants. Legal experts and advocacy groups are gearing up for a series of intense legal battles aimed at curtailing the scope of these raids.

Meanwhile, communities anticipated to be most affected are bracing for impact, organizing legal aid and support systems to assist migrants targeted by the operations. These communities continue to highlight the contributions of immigrants to local economies and cultural richness, arguing against blanket policies of deportation.

Around other targeted cities like New York and Miami, local leaders are also preparing their responses, ensuring that migrant communities are aware and prepared for the federal actions promised to unfold.

Statements from varying officials underline a collective stance of protecting their residents and challenging the surge in enforcement tactically and legally.

Cities Await Action

The situation remains fluid as the country approaches the schedule for these sweeping raids. The dialogue around immigration, sanctuary cities, and the federal versus local governance dynamic continues to evolve, promising a series of confrontations and legal challenges that may redefine immigration enforcement in America.

As the program is set to extend beyond Chicago to other major cities, the nation watches closely. The effectiveness, repercussions, and legal outcomes of Trump’s new deportation policy will likely resonate long after the raids conclude, influencing future immigration policy at all levels of government.