In a striking blend of civic engagement and political commentary, Chicago residents have chosen "Abolish ICE" as the winning name in the city's annual "You Name a Snowplow" contest. This selection serves as a direct jab at President Donald Trump, following his deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to Chicago and its suburbs last autumn in a major immigration enforcement operation.
A Political Statement on Wheels
The contest, now in its fourth year, typically yields humorous or lighthearted names, but this year's top pick carries a sharp political edge. "Abolish ICE" emerged as the runaway winner, reflecting widespread discontent among Chicago's Democratic leaders and many residents, particularly in large immigrant communities. The slogan references the controversial "Operation Midway Blitz," which began in September and resulted in over 4,000 arrests, including a fatal shooting, leaving a sour taste in the city.
Ongoing Protests and Civic Response
Despite frigid mid-winter conditions, "ICE Out" protests have persisted in recent weeks across downtown Chicago, near ICE facilities, and throughout the suburbs. When questioned about the potentially contentious nature of the snowplow name, a city spokesperson noted that "Abolish ICE" was the clear favorite, stating, "The people of Chicago clearly have no issue with the name of this snowplow." Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed gratitude to voters for their "unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride" in a public statement.
Other Creative Entries in the Contest
While "Abolish ICE" dominated the headlines, the contest also produced a range of other imaginative names. These included tributes to local and cultural figures, such as "Stephen Coldbert" for late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert, "Pope Frio XIV" playing on the Spanish word for "cold" and the Chicago-born pontiff, and "Caleb Chilliams" for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who led the team to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Other winners were "Blizzard of Oz" and "Svencoolie," a nod to Chicago TV horror host Svengoolie.
Contrast with Other Cities' Snowplow Names
Snowplow naming contests are common in many cities, but they rarely carry the political sharpness of Chicago's top choice. For instance, Nashville honors country music legend Dolly Parton with "Dolly Plowton," while Minnesota pays tribute to pop superstar Taylor Swift with "Taylor Drift." Chicago's selection stands out for its direct engagement with national immigration policies, highlighting the city's activist spirit.
Record-Breaking Participation and Process
This year's contest saw unprecedented involvement, with 13,300 plow names submitted and 39,000 final votes cast. Ryan Gage, spokesperson for the Department of Streets and Sanitation, explained that the process mirrored previous years: submissions were made via the Chicago Shovels website, a survey app was used for initial and final voting phases, and a staff committee reviewed entries before forwarding finalists to the mayor's office for approval. The department maintains 300 trucks to clear 9,400 miles of streets, and officials noted they are "grateful and inspired" by the high level of public engagement.
Requests for comment were sent to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, but responses were not immediately available. This contest underscores how local initiatives can become platforms for broader political expression, blending practicality with protest in the heart of Chicago.
