ICE acting director slams Chicago mayor over apparent support for ‘Abolish ICE’ snowplow name

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons responded to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson following his apparent support for a controversial entry in Chicago’s annual snowplow-naming contest. 

Lyons also addressed Johnson’s criticism of federal immigration enforcement practices and his focus on ICE’s budgetary priorities during an appearance on Fox News’ 'The Big Weekend Show', hosted by Johnny Joey Jones.  

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on ICE and federal enforcement

During an appearance on MS NOW's 'PoliticsNation' on Saturday, Johnson sharply critiqued the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the federal government during an interview, focusing on funding levels and how it conducts its operations.

He noted that, “The amount of money that the ICE division of our government has received as a result of this administration is quite significant. In fact, there are only two other entities that have a larger budget than ICE. It’s the United States military and China’s military.” 

Johnson suggested that this funding had enabled ICE to act as a “privatized force to enact terror and not just terror, but a great deal of harm against people.”

On Fox News’ 'The Big Weekend Show', Jones highlighted growing safety concerns for ICE agents, saying, "But the attacks on ICE are no laughing matter as assaults on agents are up over 1,000 percent this year."

He then brought up the recent snowplow naming contest and commented that Johnson is even supporting the name “Abolish ICE” for a Chicago-area snowplow.

In response to concerns raised by Jones and Johnson’s remarks, Lyons defended his agency.

He said assaults on ICE agents are up “over 1,000 percent this year” and claimed that sanctuary policies have forced ICE agents to operate “out in the street with more force.”

'Abolish ICE' snowplow entry and Todd Lyons' reaction

Lyons then called out Johnson’s support for the snowplow-naming contest entry. He stressed, "You have the mayor that's wanting to say that he wants to name a snowplow, right, Abolish ICE. You know, that's not being serious. You would want to work with ICE."

He further emphasized ICE’s work, stating, "When you look at all the criminal aliens we’ve taken out of Chicago, you wouldn’t think they’d be thinking of us when we’re taking out fentanyl dealers, gang members, that’s what we’re actually doing every day."

He also noted a dramatic rise in death threats against ICE personnel, estimating an "8,000 percent increase" and arguing that this escalation presents a serious problem for the agency.

Chicago is currently accepting submissions for its fourth annual snowplow-naming contest, run by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Among the thousands of entries submitted before the January 10, 2026, deadline is the name “ABOLISH ICE,” which has drawn particular attention because of Johnson’s response.

When the snowplow naming contest opened, one social media user posted a screenshot of the entry, adding, “Everyone else go home — this is the year we secure ABOLISH ICE on a Chicago Snowplow.”

The next day, Johnson reposted the entry on X, accompanied by a wide-eyed emoji.