Trump's promised immigration crackdown in Chicago could last about six weeks, suburban official says

CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration has informed Chicago-area officials that its promised immigration enforcement surge will run for about six weeks, according to the mayor of a suburb that houses an immigration processing center.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a letter to the village's roughly 8,000 residents this week that the Trump administration told village officials that a two-story building used to temporarily hold immigrants before they’re detained or deported will serve as the “primary processing location” for the expected operation.

She said local leaders were told the operation will last approximately 45 days, but she didn't say when it might start.

Officials in the village just west of Chicago declined to elaborate Thursday, saying they were focused on the safety of residents, police and businesses.

“We will defend the constitutionally protected right to peaceful protest and will accept no interference with that right,” said LeTisa Jones, the village administrator. “Simultaneously, we will reject any illegal behavior that puts Broadview police officers’ safety or the safety of local businesses and residents at risk.”

President Donald Trump has targeted Chicago and other Democrat-led cities for expanded federal intervention. His administration has said it will step up immigration enforcement in the Windy City, as he did in Los Angeles, and would deploy National Guard troops to help fight crime. In addition to sending troops to Los Angeles in June, Trump deployed them last month in Washington, D.C., as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover of the nation's capital.

Although details about the promised Chicago operation have been sparse, local opposition is already widespread and is building in the suburbs. State and city leaders have said they plan to sue the Trump administration.

Activists, church groups and schools in the nation’s third-largest city have been preparing for the operation, during which the Department of Homeland Security intends to use a naval station north of Chicago for logistical support.

In Chicago, organizers postponed a downtown Mexican Independence Day festival scheduled for later this month because of fears in the community about the planned immigration crackdown. They did not set a new date.

In suburban communities, officials also tried to quell concerns.

“We understand that these developments have created anxiety and uncertainty for many in our community,” read a statement from the city of North Chicago and Lake County. “While these developments may feel unsettling, please know this: you are not alone.”

Others issued reminders of Illinois' sanctuary laws, which are among the strongest in the country and generally bar local police from cooperating with federal immigration agents.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, a frequent critic and target of Trump, visited a school Thursday in Berwyn, a largely Latino suburb of roughly 55,000 people, to assess the impact of the expected operation.

The Broadview processing center, which draws frequent protests, has been under fire recently for allegations that immigrants have been held for days instead of hours and forced to sleep on floors. The complaints led four Democratic members of Illinois' congressional delegation to attempt an unscheduled visit to the site in June.

DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn't immediately respond to Thursday requests for comment.

Former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, left, speaks at a news conference for "Don't Take the Bait" campaign in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Berto Aguayo, an attorney at K&L Gates and Founder of Increase the Peace Chicago, holds an American flag and a Mexico flag at a news conference for "Don't Take the Bait" campaign in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker visits with members of the family-owned soccer gear business Extreme Soccer, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Berwyn, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks with reporters after visiting Prairie Oak Elementary School in Berwyn, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks with kindergarten student at Prairie Oak Elementary School at 1427 Oak Park Ave. in Berwyn, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool)

Local residents hold up signs as Gov. JB Pritzker speaks with reporters after visiting Prairie Oak Elementary School in Berwyn, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool)

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks with reporters after visiting Prairie Oak Elementary School in Berwyn, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool)

Area residents received a letter that this ICE processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Ill., shown on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, will be the main processing center for President Donald Trump's immigration operation in the Chicago area, expected to last more than a month. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Area residents received a letter that this ICE processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Ill., shown on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, will be the main processing center for President Donald Trump's immigration operation in the Chicago area, expected to last more than a month. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference after meeting with community violence intervention (CVI) leaders at an emergency response training to prepare for federal deployments in Chicago, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference after meeting with community violence intervention (CVI) leaders at an emergency response training to prepare for federal deployments in Chicago, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP) — Mikael Backlund and Yegor Sharangovich each had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 on Thursday night.

Devin Cooley made 22 saves and Matt Coronato added an empty-net goal for the Flames, who won for only the second time in seven games. They completed a 2-3 trip, improving to 8-16-2 on the road this season.

Nick Foligno scored early and Spencer Knight stopped 20 shots for the Blackhawks, outscored 7-2 while dropping the first two games of a four-game homestand. They have lost three of four following a four-game win streak.

Chicago star Connor Bedard was held without a point and finished minus-2 after missing Monday's 4-1 loss to Edmonton with an illness.

Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen sat out with an upper-body injury that prevented him from playing the final two periods against the Oilers.

Foligno, the Blackhawks' captain, opened the scoring with his second goal of the season 2:38 into the first period. Sharangovich tied it 36 seconds later on a power play, assisted by Backlund and Connor Zary.

With the Flames killing a penalty, Backlund scored unassisted at 6:05 to give them a 2-1 lead. Backlund also had a goal and an assist Tuesday in a 5-3 loss at Columbus.

Following a scoreless second period, Sharangovich assisted on Coronato's empty-netter with 1:01 remaining to seal it. It was Coronato’s 13th goal of the season.

Flames: Begin a five-game homestand Saturday against the New York Islanders.

Blackhawks: Host the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) trips Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard handles the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5), left, and Calgary Flames left wing Joel Farabee (86) fight during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Landon Slaggert, right, collides with Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) celebrates his goal on the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)