Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Updates

Despite fear in some Chicago communities over the expected surge in immigration enforcement, Pilsen held its Mexican Independence Parade on Saturday. There were some extra precautions taken in case federal agents showed up.

This year's Pilsen Mexican independence Day Parade not only looked different, but felt different. A lot of the community and their supporters have concerns over the administration's continued immigration enforcement.

"I just think we still need to be out here, and so we're not scared and still show our heritage, and that we're a proud people, and that we're not scared of anything that's going on," paradegoer Jasmine Martinez said.

For a 24th time, the annual procession headed across 18th Street at noon as heightened security concerns loomed following the Trump administration's threats to deploy National Guard troops and ICE agents to the city.

"I'm against goons and masked people, that's like the KKK," Pilsen resident Tom Sanchez said. "So, I'm here."

Despite fear in some Chicago communities over the expected surge in immigration enforcement, Pilsen held its Mexican Independence Parade on Saturday.

Bands, colorful floats and dancers marched in the parade to noticeably smaller crowds.

According to the most recent census, Chicago's Mexican-American community represents 21.5% of the city's total population. The threat of federal intervention has turned what is usually a time of celebration to one of anxiety in Latino neighborhoods.

"It does seem a little bit less crowded than the last time we were here," paradegoer Ben Snyder said.

While reports of ramped-up deportation efforts caused other celebrations to be canceled or postponed, organizers of Pilsen's parade said they did not think their event would be targeted, but still staged safety volunteers armed with warning whistles along the short parade route as a precaution.

"Three continuous whistles, like this, will mean an ICE sighting," said Vicky Lugo, parade organizer and Pilsen Chamber of Commerce board member. "A continuous whistle like this [means someone is getting arrested by immigration agents.]"

Some of Illinois' elected official have rejected Trump's plans.

"This is more than a parade today, this is a show of unity," Congressman Mike Quigley said. "This is a reminder that there is more than unites us than divides us."

The actual Mexican Independence Day falls on September 16, but celebrations will continue throughout the week, usually drawing hundreds of thousands of people. Where there were no issues at Pilsen's parade this year, there are concerns about next weekend. That's when the Little Village Mexican Independence Day Parade kicks off. There's concern there could be some enforcement activity there.

While people raise their voices in the streets, federal and state leaders are sparring in a war of words. President Donald Trump posted an inflammatory message on social media Saturday referencing Chicago, and it prompted quick responses from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a U.S. senator.

Trump re-shared an image that places him in front of the Chicago skyline with the caption, "Chipocalypse Now."

Trump's caption said, "'I love the smell of deportations in the morning...' Chicago is about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR."

The president's post drew strong reaction from local and state democratic leaders, including Governor Pritzker.

President Donald Trump posted an inflammatory message on social media Saturday referencing Chicago. Governor JB Pritzker and others responded.

Pritzker shared the president's post and responded on "X," saying "The President of the United States is threatening to go to war on an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois won't be intimidated by a wannabe dictator."

Joining the governor in his criticism of the president was Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, who spent part of his Saturday in Pilsen for the Mexican Independence Day Parade.

"His tweet this morning was disgusting to suggest that the troops are coming into Chicago or that the Department of War is going to be engaged is an embarrassment," Durbin said. "This is a peace loving community trying to do their best to make a living and raise a family."

Fellow Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth especially took issue with the image's depiction of the president, saying "Take off that Cavalry hat, you draft dodger. You didn't earn the right to wear it. Stolen valor at its worst."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also weighed in on "X," saying "The President's threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump."

In a statement released to ABC News, the White House doubled down on President Trump's post, pointing to Labor Day weekend violence in the city of Chicago and saying, "Local democrat leaders are more upset about a post from the President - that tells you everything you need to know about the Democrats' twisted priorities."

Dozens of people rallied Saturday against the expected increase in ICE operations, just outside of Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago.

Roughly 300 federal agents are using the base as a logistical hub.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation organized a rally and march.

Communities across the Chicago area are preparing for an increase in immigration enforcement on Saturday.

Some 300 federal agents are using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as the logistical hub for ramped-up operations, which are expected to begin on Saturday.

President Donald Trump says the surge in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicago area is about getting dangerous criminals off the streets.

Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congressman Brad Schneider, went to the Navy directly for answers on Friday.

They say the admiral-in-charge at Naval Station Great Lakes told them that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security officials requested office space and parking at the base from Sept. 5 through Oct. 5.

The Navy agreed, but is not providing barracks or housing, nor are they allowing the federal agents to have lethal munitions on base.

The Illinois representatives say they tried to speak with DHS officials on base, but with no luck.