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Chicagoans name snowplow 'Abolish ICE' in annual contest
#Chicago snowplow#Abolish ICE#Operation Midway Blitz#Immigration crackdown#You Name a Snowplow contest#Donald Trump#Chicago politics#ICE protests
📌 Key Takeaways
Chicagoans named snowplow 'Abolish ICE' in annual contest
Name was protest against Trump's ICE enforcement operation
Operation Midway Blitz resulted in 4,000+ arrests and tensions
Contest saw 13,300 submissions and 39,000 votes
📖 Full Retelling
Chicago voters named a snowplow 'Abolish ICE' as the top winner in the city's annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest on Monday, February 23, 2026, as a protest against President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement operation that sent ICE agents into Chicago and its suburbs the previous fall. The name choice proved to be a potent political statement with a double meaning, reflecting the city's response to 'Operation Midway Blitz' which began in September 2025 and resulted in over 4,000 arrests, a fatal shooting, and created significant tension among Chicago's Democratic leaders and immigrant communities. Despite mid-winter temperatures, 'ICE Out' protests have continued downtown, near ICE facilities, and throughout the suburbs, while the snowplow contest—now in its fourth year—also featured other creative names including tributes to the new Pope, Chicago horror host Svengoolie, and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked voters for their 'unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride,' with a spokesperson noting that 'Abolish ICE' was the runaway winner with no apparent issues from the city's leadership.
🏷️ Themes
Political Protest, Immigration Enforcement, Civic Engagement
Abolish ICE is a political movement seeking the abolition of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). The movement gained mainstream traction in June 2018 after the controversy of the Trump administration family separation policy. The movement proposes that ICE's responsibilities b...
Operation Midway Blitz is an operation by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted in and around Chicago, Illinois, starting on September 9, 2025. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the operation will arrest illegal immigrants with crimin...
The naming of a city snowplow 'Abolish ICE' reflects how local civic activities can become platforms for political expression, particularly regarding federal immigration enforcement. This demonstrates the ongoing tension between Chicago's Democratic leadership and federal immigration policies under the Trump administration. The contest outcome serves as a barometer of public sentiment in a major U.S. city following recent ICE operations.
Context & Background
Chicago holds an annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest to engage residents in civic activities
The name 'Abolish ICE' references the movement to eliminate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
President Trump deployed ICE agents to Chicago in fall 2025 for 'Operation Midway Blitz' resulting in thousands of arrests
What Happens Next
The snowplow named 'Abolish ICE' will join Chicago's fleet and operate on city streets. The contest may continue in future years as a regular civic engagement program. Political tensions over immigration enforcement are likely to persist between Chicago officials and federal authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Abolish ICE' refer to?
It refers to the political movement calling for the elimination of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
How was the snowplow name chosen?
Through public voting in Chicago's annual naming contest with 39,000 votes cast.
What other names were chosen in the contest?
Other winners included Stephen Coldbert, Pope Frio XIV, Blizzard of Oz, Svencoolie, and Caleb Chilliams.
Original Source
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