Chicago residents have chosen a pointed political statement to adorn one of the city’s snowplows, selecting “Abolish ICE” as the winning name in the annual “You Name a Snowplow” contest. The decision, announced Monday, reflects ongoing tensions surrounding federal immigration policy and marks a departure from the typically lighthearted submissions that characterize the yearly tradition. The name received approximately 70 percent of all submissions, according to reports.
The contest, now in its fourth year, invites Chicagoans to suggest names for the city’s fleet of snow removal vehicles. This year’s contest garnered a record-breaking 13,300 entries and nearly 39,000 votes, demonstrating a high level of civic engagement. Even as previous winners have leaned towards playful references, the overwhelming support for “Abolish ICE” signals a desire to use the platform for political expression. The selection underscores the deep-seated opposition to the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the city.
Mayor Brandon Johnson endorsed the name in December 2025, stating his “full and complete” support. “We have to grab a stronger look at how this administration has used ICE and how it has caused tremendous harm,” Johnson said, according to the Chicago Tribune. The mayor’s backing further amplified the political weight of the contest outcome.
The choice of “Abolish ICE” is rooted in the city’s recent experiences with increased ICE activity. In September 2025, Chicago was subject to “Operation Midway Blitz,” a large-scale ICE operation that resulted in over 4,000 arrests and sparked protests and clashes with city officials. This aggressive enforcement action fueled calls for the dismantling of ICE and resonated with many Chicagoans who submitted names for the contest.
Other Winning Names Announced
While “Abolish ICE” dominated the voting, five other names were selected to grace the city’s snowplows. These include “Stephen Coldbert,” “Pope Frío XIV” – a nod to Chicago-born Pope Leo – “The Blizzard of Oz,” “Svencoolie,” and “Caleb Chilliams,” as reported by Block Club Chicago. The winning names will be displayed on snowplows assigned to each of the city’s six snow districts.
The contest also saw a number of other submissions referencing ICE, including “ICE Breaker,” “ICE Be Gone,” and “No More Mr. ICE Guy.” These entries, while not ultimately selected, demonstrate the widespread sentiment among Chicagoans regarding the agency. “Chance the Scraper” received an honorable mention, finishing less than one percentage point behind “Caleb Chilliams.”
Record Participation and Civic Pride
Mayor Johnson expressed his gratitude for the record-breaking participation in the contest, praising Chicagoans for their “unmatched creativity, sense of humor and civic pride.” The Department of Streets and Sanitation will award the individuals who submitted the winning names with a photo opportunity alongside their named snowplow and city merchandise. The newly named plows will join a fleet of over 300 salt spreaders responsible for maintaining 9,400 lane miles during winter storms.
Residents can track the location of the plows, including the newly christened ones, through the city’s real-time plow tracker. This transparency allows citizens to monitor snow removal efforts and ensure efficient service during inclement weather.
The selection of “Abolish ICE” as a snowplow name is a symbolic act of resistance and a clear message from Chicagoans regarding their stance on immigration policy. As winter weather continues, the plow will serve as a visible reminder of the ongoing debate and the city’s commitment to its values. The incident highlights the increasing trend of using local platforms for national political statements.
Looking ahead, the impact of this naming decision remains to be seen. It is likely to continue sparking conversation and debate surrounding immigration policy and the role of ICE. The city will continue to monitor public response and address any concerns that may arise. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
