Chicago’s annual snowplow naming contest has yielded a politically charged result, with “Abolish ICE” selected as one of six winning names for the city’s fleet of winter maintenance vehicles. The decision, announced on , reflects growing tensions surrounding U.S. Immigration policy and enforcement, and has drawn both praise and scrutiny.
The contest, organized by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, invited residents to submit names for the city’s snowplows. This year, the name “Abolish ICE” – a reference to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency – garnered approximately 70% of the more than 13,000 submissions, according to reports from Block Club Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson publicly endorsed the name during the voting period, stating, This truck being named ‘Abolish ICE’ has my full and complete endorsement.
The selection comes after a period of heightened immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area. Last fall, a large-scale operation dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz” led to over 4,000 arrests by ICE agents, and was accompanied by a fatal shooting, sparking protests and criticism from local Democratic leaders and immigrant advocacy groups.
The choice of “Abolish ICE” is not merely a symbolic gesture. It represents a direct response to the increased presence of ICE in the region and the concerns raised by residents regarding the agency’s tactics. The name serves as a pointed critique of federal immigration policies and a demonstration of Chicago’s stance as a welcoming city for immigrants.
The contest’s outcome highlights the increasing intersection of local governance and national political debates. While seemingly innocuous, a snowplow naming contest has become a platform for expressing strong political opinions and challenging federal authority. This reflects a broader trend of local communities taking a more active role in shaping immigration policy and advocating for the rights of immigrants.
A spokesperson for the city stated that “Abolish ICE” was the clear winner, adding, The people of Chicago clearly have no issue with the name of this snowplow.
Requests for comment were sent to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, but responses were not immediately available.
Beyond the politically charged “Abolish ICE,” the other winning names reflect a more traditional approach to honoring Chicago’s cultural heritage and prominent figures. “Pope Frío XIV,” a playful reference to Pope Leo XIV who was born in Chicago, was among the selections. “Stephen Coldbert,” a nod to late-night host Stephen Colbert, who began his comedy career at Chicago’s Second City theater, also made the list. “Caleb Chilliams,” honoring Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, rounded out the winning names, demonstrating the city’s pride in its sports heroes.
The snowplow naming contest, now in its fourth year, has become a popular tradition in Chicago, offering a unique opportunity for residents to engage with local government and express their civic pride. However, this year’s outcome demonstrates that even seemingly lighthearted initiatives can become entangled in complex political issues.
The selection of “Abolish ICE” is likely to fuel further debate about immigration policy and the role of ICE in American society. It also underscores the growing political polarization within the United States, where even local decisions can become highly politicized. The snowplow, emblazoned with the controversial name, will serve as a visible reminder of these tensions throughout the winter months.
The incident in Minneapolis, where a man was shot dead by immigration agents, as reported by the BBC, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While not directly linked to the Chicago snowplow naming, it underscores the broader context of protests and anger surrounding ICE’s actions and the impact of immigration enforcement on communities across the country.
The decision by Chicago officials to embrace the “Abolish ICE” name signals a willingness to confront controversial issues head-on and to align the city with progressive values. It remains to be seen how this decision will be received by federal authorities and whether it will have any practical implications for immigration enforcement in the region. However, one thing is clear: the snowplow naming contest has transformed a routine municipal activity into a powerful statement about Chicago’s identity and its stance on immigration.
