Illinois Leaders Brace for Potential ICE Raids Amid DHS Shutdown

Concerns remain over immigration enforcement despite partial federal agency closure.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Even as the Department of Homeland Security faces a partial shutdown, Illinois and Chicago officials are preparing for the possibility of renewed immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the region. Local leaders are exploring legislative options to protect immigrant communities, while remaining vigilant against potential enforcement actions.

Why it matters

The prospect of ICE raids has caused significant anxiety and disruption in Illinois' immigrant communities in recent years. Despite the DHS shutdown, there are concerns that the agency may still pursue immigration enforcement actions, underscoring the ongoing tensions around federal immigration policy at the state and local level.

The details

While the DHS is facing a partial closure, Illinois officials are not taking any chances when it comes to potential ICE raids. Chicago and state leaders are reviewing legislative measures that could limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and provide additional protections for immigrant residents.

  • The DHS partially shut down on March 1, 2026.

The players

Illinois

The state of Illinois, which has a large immigrant population and has clashed with federal immigration enforcement in the past.

Chicago

The city of Chicago, which has also been a focal point for tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policy.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, which has conducted high-profile raids and operations in Illinois in recent years.

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What’s next

Illinois and Chicago officials are expected to continue exploring legislative options to limit cooperation with ICE and provide additional protections for immigrant residents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The partial DHS shutdown has not alleviated concerns in Illinois over potential ICE raids, underscoring the ongoing challenges and tensions around federal immigration enforcement at the state and local level.