Protest planned in Chicago against ICE raids and deportations

The Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity Chicago has issued a call to action against what it describes as an impending wave of ICE raids and deportations in Chicago.

Rally in Chicago 

What we know:

 The group plans to gather at noon on Tuesday at the Arch in Little Village, located at 3100 W. 26th St.

The rally aims to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and express opposition to mass deportations, described by organizers as a "fascist assault" on immigrants. 

After the rally, attendees are expected to participate in a car caravan to spread their message through the neighborhood.

The protest coincides with a reported visit to Chicago by Tom Homan, who is Trump's "border czar."

What we don't know:

Details on the specific ICE raids or deportation actions referenced by the organizers remain unclear, as federal authorities have not confirmed these activities. 

It is also uncertain how many people are expected to attend the protest.

What they're saying:

The Revcom Corps urged "all decent and justice-loving people" to participate, stating: "We call on people to find their courage in righteous, fierce opposition to these deportations."

Citing Revcom Corps leader Bob Avakian, the group emphasized the importance of collective action, saying this is not the time to "accept this Trump/MAGA fascism as ‘legitimate.’"

Trump's deportation plan details

The backstory:

President Donald Trump announced his plan to launch the "largest deportation program in American history" on the first day of his second term in the White House. 

His plan includes ending President Joe Biden’s catch-and-release policies, reinstating "Remain in Mexico," building the border wall, ending asylum for people crossing the border illegally, cracking down on criminal sanctuaries, and "enhancing vetting and screening of aliens," according to a White House email on Monday. 

Trump’s deportation operation will address the record border "crossings of criminal aliens under the prior administration."

He is also planning to suspend refugee resettlement, and will deploy the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, to engage in border security, deploying troops to the border to help law enforcement officials.

A key announcement was the effort to end birthright citizenship — one of Trump’s most sweeping immigration efforts yet.

RELATED: 

Is Chicago first?

Dig deeper:

Officials told the Associated Press that federal immigration officers would target more than 300 people with histories of egregious, violent crimes in an operation concentrated in the Chicago area. The raids were set to begin Tuesday, but according to The Washington Post, the feds are reconsidering Chicago and the incoming administration "hasn’t made a decision yet."

U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officers arrest only a fraction of their targets in such operations, though Trump is expected to cast a wider net. Trump aides have said they will arrest others, such as spouses or roommates, who are not targets but happen to be in the country illegally.

"It’ll begin very early, very quickly," Trump said the Saturday before inauguration, adding: "I can’t say which cities because things are evolving. And I don’t think we want to say what city. You’ll see it firsthand."

The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity Chicago and also includes information from the Associated Press, The Washington Post and previous LiveNow from FOX reporting.

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