Chicago Mayor Johnson Unveils ‘Abolish ICE’ Snowplow After Student’s Murder Allegedly by Undocumented Migrant

Chicago’s mayor unveiled a snowplow named “Abolish ICE” on Wednesday, making a bold political statement amid growing tensions over immigration enforcement in the city. The controversial name was selected from over 13,000 submissions in the city’s “You Name a Plow” contest.

Standing in front of the city’s salt dome, Mayor Brandon Johnson explained the symbolic choice: “This name derives from our city’s legacy of standing up for justice, dignity and the rights of all people, no matter where they come from.” He added emphatically, “I want to take this moment to reiterate that Chicago does not want ICE on our streets, in our airports, nor in our city. Chicago believes in abolishing ICE.”

The timing of the unveiling has sparked significant criticism, coming less than a week after the murder of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman. The alleged perpetrator, 25-year-old Jose Medina, has been identified by authorities as a Venezuelan migrant who entered the United States on May 9, 2023, was captured by Border Patrol, and subsequently released under the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

When questioned about the potentially insensitive timing of the event, Johnson acknowledged the tragedy but defended his decision to proceed: “This tragedy is not going to deter us from our work. In fact, it’s going to challenge us all to double down on our efforts to ensure that we are protecting every single individual across neighborhoods.”

“Abolish ICE” has become a rallying cry among progressive activists and politicians who oppose the enforcement actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mayor Johnson has consistently criticized the Trump administration’s use of ICE and recently condemned the deployment of ICE agents to assist Transportation Security Administration operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

The event highlights the growing tension in Chicago—and across the nation—over immigration policy. Chicago has long maintained its status as a sanctuary city, limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This stance has become increasingly contentious as immigration emerges as a central issue in national politics.

Chicago Democratic Alderman Raymond Lopez, a critic of the city’s sanctuary policies, didn’t mince words when commenting on Gorman’s death, calling it “100% avoidable” during an appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports.”

“The culmination of the choices made here in the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois to protect noncitizens even when they choose to engage in dangerous criminal behavior, that mindset has to change,” Lopez stated. “That mindset has to stop because Sheridan and the other 1,200 other individuals across this country who’ve been victims… victimized by noncitizens deserved to be honored in a change in mindset and law.”

The snowplow naming comes at a particularly divisive moment in American politics, with immigration policy at the forefront of national debate. While sanctuary city supporters argue these policies foster trust between immigrant communities and local authorities, critics contend they can shield individuals who pose public safety risks.

As Chicago prepares for winter weather operations, this newly named snowplow will serve as a visible reminder of the city’s official stance on immigration enforcement—and the deep political divisions that continue to shape local and national policy debates on the issue.