Chicago Snowplow Named 'Abolish ICE' in Annual Contest

The politically-charged name was the top pick among voters in the city's annual snowplow naming competition.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In Chicago's annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest, the top vote-getter was 'Abolish ICE', a politically-charged name that references the city's tensions with the federal immigration agency. The name was chosen by voters as a rebuke of the Trump administration's increased ICE presence and immigration crackdowns in the city. Other winning names included tributes to local celebrities and figures.

Why it matters

The snowplow naming contest has become a way for Chicagoans to express their political views, with the 'Abolish ICE' name reflecting the city's ongoing tensions with the federal immigration agency. The contest results highlight the intersection of practical winter operations and political messaging in the city.

The details

The 'Abolish ICE' name was the top vote-getter in Chicago's annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest, which allows residents to submit and vote on names for the city's snow removal fleet. The name was chosen as a rebuke of the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Chicago last fall, which resulted in over 4,000 arrests and sparked protests. Other winning names included tributes to local celebrities like Stephen Colbert and Dolly Parton, as well as the new Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

  • The 'You Name a Snowplow' contest was held in early 2026.
  • In September 2025, ICE agents conducted a major crackdown in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, resulting in over 4,000 arrests.

The players

Brandon Johnson

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

Ryan Gage

A spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, which oversees 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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The city plans to officially unveil the 'Abolish ICE' snowplow at a ceremony in early March 2026.

The takeaway

Chicago's snowplow naming contest has become a platform for residents to voice their political views, with the 'Abolish ICE' name reflecting the city's ongoing tensions with the federal immigration agency. The contest results highlight how practical winter operations can intersect with broader social and political issues in the city.