Chicago has a unique tradition: letting its citizens name the city’s snowplows. What began as a lighthearted contest has taken a decidedly political turn this year, revealing a deep current of frustration and dissent within the city.
While past names have been playful, the overwhelming favorite in the current contest is “Abolish ICE.” Over 9,200 votes – a staggering 70% of the submissions – demand a clear message emblazoned on the sides of these winter workhorses. It’s a statement born not of dislike for snow removal, but of profound opposition to a federal agency.
The surge in support for this name isn’t isolated. It’s a direct response to a series of recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement that have ignited outrage across the nation. A shooting during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota, the detention of a young boy clutching a Spider-Man backpack, and the tragic death of an ICU nurse – these events have fueled a growing sense of injustice.
These incidents unfolded against a backdrop of increased immigration raids authorized under the previous administration, directly impacting communities within Chicago. A recent poll revealed that over six in ten Chicagoans view ICE’s presence as detrimental, fostering fear and insecurity among immigrant families.
The naming contest quickly became a focal point for this discontent. When the city announced the contest in December, a local activist known as Chicago’s “rat czar” immediately submitted “ABOLISH ICE,” urging others to join the effort. The mayor, a vocal critic of ICE’s tactics, subtly signaled his support with a telling emoji.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Even a Border Patrol chief attempted to intervene, suggesting a counter-name, but the mayor swiftly dismissed the suggestion, reminding the official that the power ultimately rests with the people of Chicago. They are the ones who will decide what message rolls through their streets this winter.
Voting opens in February, and the top six names will be assigned to snowplows across the city. The outcome will be more than just a quirky naming convention; it will be a powerful demonstration of public sentiment, a rolling protest against a controversial agency, and a clear signal of Chicago’s values.
The contest’s evolution from a fun civic engagement to a potent political statement underscores a growing trend: citizens reclaiming public spaces – even snowplows – to voice their concerns and demand change.
