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 said they had noticed an uptick in immigration enforcement agents in recent days as Trump targets Democratic strongholds. However, Trump has seesawed on sending military deployment to Chicago. Neither the focus nor size of the Border Patrol operation that Bovino referenced in his message Tuesday was immediately clear. Officials did not answer questions Tuesday about the scope of immigration enforcement in Chicago. The increased enforcement in recent days has deepened fears among Chicago’s 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 posted on X that she, also, was in Chicago 'to make clear we are not backing down.' ‘Our work is only beginning,’ she said. Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, who has objected to any federal intervention, told reporters Monday that it was clear that immigration operations had been ramping up around Chicago. ‘ICE has been gathering its agents,’ he said.
Chicago Braces for Increased Immigration Enforcement as Operation At Large Commences

Chicago Braces for Increased Immigration Enforcement as Operation At Large Commences
The arrival of Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino in Chicago marks the beginning of Operation At Large, a controversial initiative expected to heighten immigration enforcement in the city amidst protests and local opposition.
Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol agent known for his aggressive immigration campaigns, has announced the initiation of 'Operation At Large' in Chicago via a social media post. This operation follows a series of immigration crackdowns that occurred in Los Angeles and is raising concerns among local communities and officials. President Trump has indicated that Chicago will see an uptick in deportations, despite strong objections from local leaders and fears among immigrant groups. The enforcement efforts reportedly coincide with an increase in visibility and presence of ICE agents prior to the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations.