When residents in the United Kingdom famously proposed naming a research vessel 'Boaty McBoatface', it became a global internet sensation. Now, Chicagoans have taken a more politically charged approach in their city's annual snow plough naming contest, with a clear frontrunner emerging: 'Abolish ICE'. This submission has garnered overwhelming support, highlighting deep-seated local tensions with federal immigration authorities.
Overwhelming Public Support for 'Abolish ICE'
According to records obtained by Block Club Chicago, more than 9,200 people in the Illinois capital have voted to name a snow plough 'Abolish ICE'. This represents a staggering 70% of the 13,300 submissions received so far, making it the dominant choice by a significant margin. Other suggested names that could soon adorn the sides of Chicago's snow ploughs include 'ICE Breaker', 'ICE Be Gone', and 'No More Mr ICE Guy', all playing on the same theme.
While these names might initially seem like playful references to icy winter conditions, they carry a much heavier political weight. In the United States, ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency that has faced intense criticism and protests, particularly in recent months. The contest has thus transformed from a lighthearted civic engagement exercise into a platform for political expression.
Context: Rising Tensions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The surge in anti-ICE sentiment in Chicago is not occurring in a vacuum. It comes amid a series of high-profile incidents involving the agency that have sparked national outrage. On January 7, an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. Shortly after, agents were photographed detaining a five-year-old boy wearing a Spider-Man backpack and an oversized hat, an image that drew widespread condemnation.
Only days later, federal immigration agents belonging to Border Force killed ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti, further inflaming public opinion. These events have unfolded against a backdrop of increased immigration raids across the United States, including in Chicago, as former President Donald Trump has ramped up enforcement actions.
Local Opposition and Political Backing
Public sentiment in Chicago appears strongly aligned against ICE's presence in the city. A recent poll indicates that more than six in ten Chicagoans view ICE's operations negatively, with nearly eight in ten reporting that immigration agents have made immigrant families feel less safe. This hostility has been visibly demonstrated; in October, residents were repeatedly filmed honking car horns and shouting 'fascist' at ICE agents patrolling the streets.
The snow plough naming contest, announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson in December, quickly became a focal point for this discontent. Less than forty minutes after the contest was launched, Chicago's self-proclaimed 'rat czar', Bebo, shared a screenshot of their submission: 'ABOLISH ICE.' They urged others to support the name, declaring, 'Everyone else go home — this is the year we secure ABOLISH ICE on a Chicago Snowplow.'
Mayor Johnson, an outspoken critic of ICE sweeps, endorsed the idea, describing ICE as a 'privatised force to enact terror' and giving his 'complete endorsement' to the 'Abolish ICE' submission. His support triggered a public spat with Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, who suggested on social media that the plough be named 'Reality Check' and painted green. Johnson retorted, 'Reality check, Greg: Chicagoans vote on the snow plow names. The same people who want you out of our city.'
Contest Timeline and Next Steps
Submissions for Chicago's fourth annual snow plough naming contest closed on January 10. From February 1 to February 14, residents will be able to vote for their favourite name from a shortlist of the top 25 entries. The six most popular names will each be assigned to a snow plough, with 'Abolish ICE' currently positioned as the clear favourite to secure one of those spots.
This contest underscores how local initiatives can become arenas for broader political debates, reflecting community values and frustrations. As Chicago braces for winter, the outcome may well see city vehicles carrying a powerful message of protest against federal immigration policies.
