Homan Confirms Federal Immigration Crackdown Headed Straight for Chicago [WATCH]

Border czar Tom Homan said Sunday that Americans should “absolutely” expect federal action in Chicago this week, along with operations in other sanctuary cities across the country.

President Donald Trump has floated the idea of sending federal troops to Chicago since early August, shortly after announcing the federal takeover of Washington, D.C.

The move has drawn sharp responses from Illinois Gov. J.D. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both of whom have voiced opposition to expanded federal immigration enforcement in their state.

Over the weekend, Trump took to Truth Social with a post referencing the Department of War, which was recently rebranded from the Department of Defense.

He shared an AI-generated image of himself standing in front of the Chicago skyline with helicopters flying overhead, accompanied by the caption that he loves “the smell of deportations in the morning.” The remark referenced the well-known quote from the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now.

Homan, speaking on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper, emphasized that additional enforcement measures are being considered. He noted that the National Guard could be used as a “force multiplier” if necessary.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“We’ve got to send additional resources to the problem areas, which are sanctuary cities,” Homan said. “The National Guard is always on the table.”

BUCKLE UP! Democrats are going to be MELTING DOWN all week over the ramp-up in ICE enforcement in sancutary cities.

Tapper: “So should we expect action in Chicago next week?”

Homan: “Absolutely. You can expect action in sanctuary cities across the country.” pic.twitter.com/LxkQGrgXFb

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 7, 2025

In a Rose Garden event on Friday, Trump highlighted the decline in crime rates in Washington since federal authorities assumed control earlier this summer.

He linked that outcome to what he hopes to achieve in Chicago. “We’re going to make Chicago look like this,” Trump said, pointing to the reported reduction in crime in the nation’s capital.

In anticipation of federal action, both Pritzker and Johnson have promoted resources intended to assist Chicago’s immigrant population.

The Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights launched a new website this week to provide information specifically for immigrant and refugee communities.

A press release from the city said the site was designed to ensure residents have access to services and guidance in the face of potential enforcement.

Pritzker posted on X on Saturday, encouraging Illinois residents to be aware of their protections.

“Know your rights, Illinois,” the governor wrote, attaching an infographic that read, “Everyone has constitutional rights regardless of immigration status!”

Know your rights, Illinois.

Stay safe and stay informed. pic.twitter.com/EK8EEXS7vC

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) September 6, 2025

Trump also confirmed Friday that the administration’s first deployment to a red-state sanctuary city will take place in New Orleans.

He had teased the move earlier in the week before announcing the city by name.

.@POTUS: “We’re making a determination now — do we go to Chicago or do we go to a place like New Orleans, where we have a great Governor, @LAGovJeffLandry, who wants us to come in and straighten [it] out.” pic.twitter.com/TpQo9uU4B5

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 3, 2025

New Orleans is one of 22 sanctuary cities and counties nationwide.

In addition to those municipalities, 13 states—including Illinois and Washington, D.C.—have sanctuary laws that limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement agents. Chicago, along with the entire state of Illinois, is covered under such policies.

With federal preparations now underway, the standoff between the White House and sanctuary jurisdictions continues to intensify.

Chicago, already bracing for incoming federal officers, is likely to become the focal point for the administration’s next round of enforcement actions.