One day before assuming the presidency, raids against immigrants begin in Chicago, USA.

With just one day left before President Donald Trump assumes office, raids against undocumented immigrants have started in Chicago. Federal immigration authorities reported that more than 300 people were arrested on Saturday across various locations. These individuals are said to be involved in violent crimes. This marks the beginning of Trump’s large-scale deportation campaign. The operation, starting from the Chicago area, is expected to spread nationwide.

Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, stated at an event in Chicago, “If the mayor of Chicago doesn’t want to cooperate, they should stay quiet. If they obstruct us, they are harboring or hiding illegal immigrants.” Homan also told Fox News that Chicago will be one of many locations where federal authorities plan to make arrests.

Chicago is being targeted as the first city for Trump’s anticipated tough measures. The raids in Chicago, expected to start on Tuesday and continue throughout the week, will involve 100 to 200 officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to implement the operation, focusing on areas with significant immigrant populations.

According to Homan, after Chicago, arrests are expected to begin in New York and Miami. He added that the operation would spread nationwide. Authorities, in plain clothes, are reportedly using K9 dogs to raid shops, with an emphasis on areas with high numbers of undocumented immigrants. The operation will prioritize individuals with criminal records and public safety threats, but may also involve detaining undocumented residents without criminal records for deportation proceedings. These individuals could be detained for hours or days before being deported. Trump has expressed intentions to make this the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.

Chicago was chosen as the first target due to its designation as a sanctuary city in the 1980s, limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration agencies. The policies have been strengthened over time and will mark the beginning of Trump’s second term in office, eight years after his first term. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago’s first-term Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, have stated that they will not back down from these commitments. Homan had previously criticized prominent Democratic leaders during a visit to the Chicago area last month.

With the authorities granted the right to raid and arrest without warrants, these actions could take place anywhere, at any time. People in potential target states are urged to carry identification documents as they may be required for verification.