Deportation raids that were scheduled to begin in at least one sanctuary city the day after President Trump's inauguration have been put on hold for now in an effort to preserve the element of surprise, multiple law enforcement officials said. told the Post.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Chicago have been told to stand by and operations have been suspended for the time being, officials said.
The newspaper previously reported that ICE was planning a “major operation” starting Tuesday in several sanctuary cities, including New York City.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan told Fox News Sunday that ICE is considering rescheduling raids to preserve the element of surprise against illegal immigrants who pose a “public safety and national security threat.” He said he was doing it.
“We're not going to reconsider any operations. There was a breach in Chicago, so we're investigating that breach and looking at how it impacts officer safety concerns.” “Chicago is not off the table, but we are reconsidering when and how to do it,” Homan said.
“When those bad guys know that we're going to attack you at this time today, it increases the safety concerns of our officers,” he added.
of The Wall Street Journal reported news of the attack on Friday.reports that as many as 200 ICE agents were scheduled to be deployed to the Windy City operation alone.
ICE officials have since been warned not to release information about future raids, sources said.
One person said authorities had previously suspended arrests at certain offices to free up space in jails for people targeted in the Chicago raid.
“We do not intend to arrest or detain anyone and are preparing for what may happen next week,” the official said.
Mr. Homan vowed to supporters at an event in Chicago in December that the next administrator would target the Windy City first.
“Chicago is in trouble because the mayor and governor are horrible,” said the former acting ICE director.
Homan suggested on Fox News Friday that ICE raids are being considered in several cities after Inauguration Day.
“There will be massive raids across the country,” the next border czar told Fox News host Jesse Watters.
“Chicago is just one of many places. There are 24. [ICE] Field offices across the country. On Tuesday, ICE will finally be able to go out and do its job. We will take the handcuffs off ICE and arrest criminal aliens. That's what's going to happen. ”
Anticipating possible attacks in New York City, immigrants are fleeing taxpayer-funded shelters in droves to avoid deportation.
“The sooner we leave, the better,” Kelvin Nava, a 31-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, said outside a Long Island City shelter Sunday. “Arrangements are being made elsewhere.”
ICE did not immediately respond to the Post's request for comment.
