CHICAGO (AP) — The Border Patrol agent who spearheaded the immigration crackdown that sparked widespread protests in Los Angeles announced in a social media post Tuesday that he has arrived in Chicago.
“Well, Chicago, we’ve arrived!” Gregory Bovino said in a post on X that included footage of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles and agents under Chicago street signs and views of downtown. “Operation At Large is here to continue the mission we started in Los Angeles.”
President Donald Trump has promised for weeks that Chicago would see a surge in deportations and National Guard troops over the fierce objections of local leaders and residents.
Immigration advocates in Chicago reported an uptick in immigration enforcement agents recently as Trump targets Democratic strongholds. However, he has fluctuated on sending military deployment to Chicago.
Neither the focus nor size of the Border Patrol operation that Bovino referenced was immediately clear, as officials did not respond to inquiries about the scope of immigration enforcement in Chicago.
The increased enforcement in recent days has deepened dread among Chicago's already fearful immigrant communities, leading to the cancellation and delay of some celebrations for Mexican Independence Day, which was Tuesday.
“Chief Bovino and CBP play a key support role in our targeted enforcement operations,” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also stated she was in Chicago “to make clear we are not backing down.” She remarked, “Our work is only beginning.”
In Los Angeles, Bovino's self-described “turn and burn” operation led to thousands of arrests. As immigration enforcement ramps up, Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker noted that it was evident ICE had been gathering its agents.
Concerns grow as both local leaders and immigrant communities brace for what may come next in this unfolding situation.
