Chicago Mayor Supports “Abolish ICE” Snowplow Name

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has shown his “complete and unwavering support” for the name “Abolish ICE” in the context of the city’s annual snowplow naming contest.

This contest, which is now in its fourth year, invites residents to suggest and vote on names for the snowplows. Past winners have included playful names such as “CTRL-SALT-DELETE” and “Salter Payton.”

This year, the phrase “Abolish ICE” gained traction on social media. It’s a slogan often used by activists opposed to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During an appearance on MS NOW’s “Politics Nation,” Johnson, who has openly criticized the immigration policies of the Trump administration, expressed his approval for the controversial name. He stated, “I believe [Trump] utilized ICE as a privatized military force to inflict harm on people.” He added, “Over the years, we’ve maintained our values in this city at the same time.” This seemed to resonate with the snowplow naming initiative he was promoting.

Johnson emphasized the need to reconsider how ICE has operated under the current administration, noting the organization’s negative impact. “That’s why I fully back the idea of naming this truck ‘Abolish ICE,'” he said.

In promoting the snowplow naming contest on his X account, Johnson highlighted a user’s suggestion to “abolish ICE.”

Residents of Chicago have until January 10 to submit their name ideas, or until there are 20,000 entries. The city plans to select 25 finalists and hold a public vote from February 1 to February 14. The top six names will be painted on one snowplow for each of the city’s six districts.