CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is preparing for an increase in immigration enforcement.
Some 300 federal agents are using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as the logistical hub for ramped-up operations, which were expected to begin Saturday, Sept 6.
President Donald Trump says the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area is about getting dangerous criminals off the streets.
ABC7 is tracking the latest news in the city and suburbs, from community protests to updates shared by local officials.
Here are the latest developments.
A group of anti-immigration enforcement demonstrators gathered at a west suburban hotel on Sunday afternoon.
Chopper 7 was over the Hampton Inn & Suites Downers Grove Chicago, located at 1500 Opus Place, around 1 p.m.
President Donald Trump was adamant with reporters on Sunday that "we're not going to war" with Chicago, after he shared a post on Saturday with a caption that reads, "Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR."
"We're not going to war. We're going to clean up our cities," Trump said. "We're going to clear them up so they don't kill every five people every weekend. That's not war. That's common sense."
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Protests wrapped up Saturday night in the city and suburbs as federal immigration enforcement was expected to expand. The protests stayed peaceful, but demonstrators had a strong message for the president.
Massive crowds marched through downtown Chicago. At least a few thousand people protested the Trump administration.
Many people expected to see DHS operations in the city this weekend, but that has not been the case so far, and the protestors said federal agents are not needed here.
Several organizations came together in downtown as they say now is the time to send a message to the administration.
"We have to stand up together and say very loudly and proudly that this is not gonna happen," said Kobi Guillory, co-chair of Coalition Against Trump. We are not accepting this."
The group remained peaceful as they marched down Michigan Avenue, chanting loudly while holding signs.
"99% of the people that are here that come to America and Chicago are hardworking," a protester named Kevin said. "They want a better life for their families."
Many of them said they're concerned for their neighbors and believe the president is targeting the wrong people.
"I myself am an immigrant, and it's very important for immigrants to be in this country," a protester named Barbara said. "They make this country great."
It remained quiet Saturday night in Chicago. A fence remains up at the federal building downtown to allow access in and out of the building in case operations escalate in the coming days
A rally and march is being held Saturday evening in downtown Chicago against the expected increase in ICE operations.
A large crowd gathered at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells before marching up Michigan Avenue.
While we haven't seen a rise in ICE operations yet, organizers told ABC7 they want to make their voices heard.
One of the rally organizers said the Trump administration is attacking the people who make this city and this country run.
The White House has not released any details about what's being planned. City and state leaders oppose deploying federal agents to the city.
