A Chicago snowplow named “Abolish ICE” was officially unveiled on March 25 at a Ukrainian Village Streets and Sanitation facility, following its victory in the city’s annual snowplow naming contest. Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced the newly renamed plow, which may not see use until next winter due to mild weather conditions.
The naming contest, now in its fourth year, saw record participation with 13,300 name entries and 39,000 voters. This year marks the first time a politically charged name has won the top spot. Nearly 80 percent of all submissions were anti-ICE themed names according to previous reporting by Block Club Chicago.
The announcement comes months after Operation Midway Blitz, during which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Border Patrol agents arrested thousands of undocumented immigrants across Chicago. The operation drew criticism for reports of violent tactics and targeting of protesters and journalists. Despite a decrease in raids this winter, ICE remains active in the area—including at O’Hare Airport—due to recent assignments linked to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
During Wednesday’s event, Johnson said that Chicago “believes in abolishing ICE,” adding: “When the people of Chicago resoundingly told us they wanted to name a snowplow ‘Abolish ICE’, we delivered. This name derives from our city’s legacy of standing up for justice, dignity and the rights of all people, no matter where they come from.”
The unveiling was met with some protest; one attendee interrupted Johnson’s remarks by referencing Sheridan Gorman—a Loyola University student recently killed allegedly by Venezuelan migrant Jose Medina—and accused officials of making light of her death. Johnson responded: “Yes, we mourn and grieve the loss of Sheridan. Yes, it breaks our heart. Yes, it disrupts the progress that we have made. But it’s not going to stop it… Keeping the people of the city safe is my top priority.”
Other winners joining “Abolish ICE” as newly named plows include Stephen Coldbert, Pope Frío XIV, The Blizzard of Oz, Svencoolie and Caleb Chilliams. Past winning names have included “Bozo the Plown,” “Skilling It,” and “Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow.”
The contest reflects ongoing public engagement with local government initiatives while also highlighting broader political debates over immigration enforcement.
