Chicago Names Snowplow ‘Abolish ICE’

Chicago Names Snowplow ‘Abolish ICE’

There was a very politically charged moment that has drawn a lot of national attention, Chicago Illinois has decided to place the name ‘Abolish ICE’ on one of the snowplows in the city. This was the fourth time this challenge was brought down, and it was something that had received thousands of votes and submissions, something that had actually broken a record as well. Therefore, it is clear that this clever wordplay has worked, and now it has made it official.

The announcement that was made on Monday by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, which had broken records with the amount of submissions for the contest. There were over 13,000 unique entries, and more than 40,000 votes cast by residents around the entire city.

Abolish ICE

The name “Abolish ICE”, a phrase that has become a rallying cry among those critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was the top vote-getter in this year’s contest. This was very clever wordplay when it came down to removing ice from Chicago streets, in terms of black ice, but it also had some political motivation to it.

Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, publicly supported the name during the voting period, saying it reflected voters’ creativity and sense of humor. “This truck being named ‘Abolish ICE’ has my full and complete endorsement,” he said, embracing the community’s engagement with the contest.

While some saw the name as political commentary, especially in light of recent federal immigration enforcement operations in the area, city officials have stressed that the contest is intended to be fun and inclusive, open to all clever ideas submitted by residents.

To many residents, the name worked on two levels: literally describing what a snowplow does, and metaphorically nodding to a broader campaign to reform or dismantle federal immigration enforcement practices, a stance held by many in Chicago’s political landscape.

Other Names

Alongside “Abolish ICE,” five other imaginative and humorous names will soon appear on the city’s snowplow fleet, demonstrating both Chicagoans’ creativity and cultural touchpoints

• Stephen Coldbert, A playful pun on the name of late-night television host Stephen Colbert, celebrating his comedic roots in Chicago
• Pope Frío XIV, A nod to the newly elected pope, who hails from the Chicago area, with a joke that twists the Spanish word frío (meaning “cold”).
• The Blizzard of Oz, A clever mash-up of Chicago’s snowy conditions with the classic story The Wizard of Oz.
• Svencoolie, Honoring the cult classic TV horror host Svengoolie, beloved in the Chicago area.
• Caleb Chilliams, A tribute to the Chicago Bears’ star quarterback Caleb Williams, blending his name with a winter theme.

These names reflect a broad range of local culture, from sports and entertainment to religious ties and literary references, showing that the contest still keeps its roots in community fun even as some names take on a sharper edge.

An honorable mention this year went to “Chance the Scraper”, another playful option that barely missed the final top six by less than a percentage point in the voter tally.

Participation

Officials from the Department of Streets and Sanitation celebrated the strong resident engagement, calling it a sign of civic pride and community spirit. With nearly 39,000 votes, this year’s contest saw participation numbers higher than in previous years, an indicator that Chicagoans are increasingly excited about even the city’s lightest traditions.

Those whose names were selected will be invited to take photos with their named snowplow and receive special city merchandise, a small token of appreciation for helping shape the city’s wintertime landscape.

Humor

Chicago’s snowplow naming contest has become a beloved winter tradition, but the embrace of a more politically charged name this year reflects how civic rituals can also serve as a canvas for public sentiment.

In recent months, the city has grappled with national debates over federal immigration enforcement, local responses, and the broader political climate. The selection of “Abolish ICE”, whether through intentional protest or sheer wordplay, captures how these debates have permeated even seemingly apolitical aspects of urban life.

At the same time, the gamut of other winning names, from TV hosts to religious figures, shows that Chicagoans continue to celebrate diversity and local identity. These names underscore the city’s vibrant culture and the ability of a simple contest to bring people together, even as it sparks conversation beyond snow and plows.

It is clear that “Abolish ICE” is going to become a long lasting symbol on Chicago streets, and it will depend on how residents truly feel on this, that it will stay as a lasting tradition, and one that will stick for centuries to come.

Sources:

The Chicago Sun Times: ‘Abolish ICE’ among winners of Chicago’s ‘You Name a Snowplow’ contest

Block Club Chicago: Chicago Just Named A Snowplow ‘Abolish ICE’— Here Are The Other Winners

Featured Image Courtesy of Thomas Cizauskas’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Nick M’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License