Chicago Voters Choose 'Abolish ICE' as Top Snowplow Name

The protest slogan beat out other creative submissions in the city's annual 'Name a Snowplow' contest.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Chicago voters took a political stance in the city's annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest, selecting the protest slogan 'Abolish ICE' as the top choice. The name was a jab at President Donald Trump after his administration sent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents into Chicago and its suburbs in a major immigration crackdown last fall. The snowplow naming contest also produced other creative submissions, from tributes to the new Pope and local celebrities to plays on words related to winter weather.

Why it matters

The choice of 'Abolish ICE' as the winning snowplow name reflects the ongoing political tensions in Chicago over immigration enforcement. The city's large immigrant populations have been vocal in their opposition to the Trump administration's ICE raids, leading to continued protests even during the winter months. The snowplow naming contest provided a unique outlet for residents to voice their political views.

The details

In the fourth year of Chicago's 'You Name a Snowplow' contest, 'Abolish ICE' emerged as the top vote-getter, beating out thousands of other submissions. The protest slogan was a clear reference to the city's clash with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. In September 2022, ICE agents conducted a major crackdown in Chicago and its suburbs, resulting in over 4,000 arrests and a fatal shooting. The operation, known as 'Operation Midway Blitz,' drew strong condemnation from the city's Democratic leaders and residents, particularly in immigrant communities. Despite the winter weather, 'ICE Out' protests have continued in recent weeks near ICE facilities and throughout the suburbs.

  • In September 2022, ICE agents conducted 'Operation Midway Blitz' in Chicago, resulting in over 4,000 arrests.
  • In recent weeks, 'ICE Out' protests have continued in Chicago and its suburbs despite the winter weather.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who sent ICE agents into Chicago in a major immigration crackdown.

Brandon Johnson

The current Mayor of Chicago who thanked voters for their 'unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride' in the snowplow naming contest.

Ryan Gage

The spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, which manages the snowplow naming contest.

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What they’re saying

“The people of Chicago clearly have no issue with the name of this snowplow.”

— Ryan Gage, Spokesperson, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (registercitizen.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The city plans to move forward with naming the snowplow 'Abolish ICE' despite any potential backlash, as it was the clear winner of the public contest.

The takeaway

Chicago's snowplow naming contest has become a unique platform for residents to voice their political views, with the selection of 'Abolish ICE' as the top choice reflecting the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement in the city. The contest highlights how even mundane civic activities can take on a partisan edge in the current political climate.